Linear motion assemblies and bearings for use in linear motion assemblies

ABSTRACT

A seat track assembly including a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a distance and extending parallel with respect to one another, wherein at least one of the first and second rails having a first receiver, a second receiver, the first and second receivers longitudinally translatable with respect to each other, and a sliding member disposed therebetween, wherein the sliding member defines an aperture extending at least partially therethrough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a divisional of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/687,802 entitled, “LINEARMOTION ASSEMBLIES AND BEARINGS FOR USE IN LINEAR MOTION ASSEMBLIES,” byTimothy J. HAGAN et al., filed Nov. 19, 2019, which application is adivisional of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/882,676 entitled, “LINEAR MOTION ASSEMBLIES ANDBEARINGS FOR USE IN LINEAR MOTION ASSEMBLIES,” by Timothy J. HAGAN etal., filed Oct. 14, 2015, which application claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/063,718 entitled,“ADJUSTABLE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY,” by Timothy J. HAGAN et al., filed Oct.14, 2014, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/072,851, entitled “ADJUSTABLE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY,” by Timothy J.HAGAN et al., filed Oct. 30, 2014, of which all are assigned to thecurrent assignee hereof and incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to linear motion assemblies, and moreparticularly to bearings for use in linear motion assemblies.

RELATED ART

Linear motion assemblies generally include multiple componentstranslating longitudinally with respect to one another. One or moresliding members can facilitate translation. The sliding memberstypically include ball bearings and caged ball bearings formed ofhardened-steel. Paints, coatings, finishes, and lubricants, such asgrease, may be coated on the ball bearings to reduce frictionalcoefficients and facilitate sliding. These materials can leak or peelduring installation and use, contaminating the assembly, grindingagainst the components during translation, and introducing a carrier forparticulate, such as dust and debris.

Burnishing is a well known problem associated with the use of ballbearings. To accommodate for the known effects associated withburnishing, assemblies typically undergo a break in period where thecomponents are repeatedly cycled between foremost and rearmostpositions. During this time both the components and ball bearingsundergo a transformation until equilibrium is reached and burnishing iscomplete. Outer coatings, paints, lubricants, and other finishes aretypically stripped from the ball bearings and components during thistime and can collect within the site. This may accelerate fatigue andsignificantly reduce operable lifespan of the assembly.

No proposed solution has been successful at replacing ball bearings invarious linear motion assemblies because of the high costs associatedwith other options and high structural forces imparted to particularassemblies. Use of linear motion assemblies without ball bearings havebeen generally unsuccessful and not been commercially accepted, forexample, in seat track assemblies, high temperature assemblies.

Therefore, a need exists for a linear motion assembly, such as anadjustable seat track assembly, capable of avoiding the known problemsassociated with the use of ball bearings while maintaining sufficientstructural strength and tolerance compensation properties as nowdemanded by the industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not intended to belimited in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 includes an exploded perspective view of an exemplary seatassembly.

FIG. 2 includes a cross-sectional elevation view of a rail of a seattrack assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3A to 3J include cross-sectional elevation view of structures inaccordance with several embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B include cross-sectional side elevation views of thestructure of FIG. 3B as seen along Line A-A in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIG. 4C includes a top view of the structure of FIG. 4B in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 5 includes a perspective view of a slide pin in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 6 includes a side elevation view of the slide pin in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 7A includes a cross-sectional side elevation view of the slide pinas seen prior to installation in the rail in accordance with anembodiment, as seen along line B-B in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B includes a cross-sectional side elevation view of the slide pinas seen after installation in the rail in accordance with an embodiment,as seen along line B-B in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 includes a top elevation view of the slide pin in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 9 includes an exploded perspective view of a support feature andslide pins in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 includes a partially exploded perspective view of a supportfeature and slide pins in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 11 includes a side elevation view of a rail of a seat trackassembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 includes a perspective view of a strip in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 13 includes a cross-sectional elevation view of a strip disposed ina rail of the seat track assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 includes a cross-sectional elevation view of a rail assembly ofa seat track assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 includes a top perspective top view of a rail assembly of a seattrack assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16 includes a cross-sectional side elevation view of a testassembly used to test sliding and frictional forces within a seat trackassembly.

FIG. 17 includes a cross-sectional elevation view of a linear motionassembly in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description in combination with the figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be usedbased on the teachings as disclosed.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,”“having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatusthat comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only tothose features but may include other features not expressly listed orinherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unlessexpressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and notto an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or notpresent), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), andboth A and B are true (or present).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one, at least one, or the singular as alsoincluding the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meantotherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, morethan one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, wheremore than one item is described herein, a single item may be substitutedfor that more than one item.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To theextent not described herein, many details regarding specific materialsand processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks andother sources within the linear motion arts.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of a linear motionassembly 400 including a first component 402, a second component 404,and sliding members 406 disposed between the first and second components402 and 404. Linear motion between the first and second components 402and 404 may occur in a direction generally into and out of the page. Incertain applications, rotational motion can additionally occur in aclockwise or counterclockwise manner.

As will be described in accordance with a particular aspect, the slidingmembers 406 may include elongated tubes. The elongated tubes can eachinclude a body consisting of, consisting essentially of, or comprising alow friction material. An aperture can extend through at least one ofthe elongated tubes and define an inner surface of the sliding member. Aspring or other similar support feature may be disposed within theaperture. In an embodiment, the spring may be readily separable from thebody. In other embodiments, the body may define a plurality of apertureseach extending at least partially through the elongated tube. Thepresence of one or more apertures within the body of the elongated tubemay promote tolerance absorption.

In another aspect, the sliding member can include a substrate having anelongated shape and a low friction material disposed around thesubstrate. The low friction material can include a sheet of materialrolled around the substrate. In an embodiment, a gap can extend alongthe axial length of the sliding member. In another embodiment, at leastone of the axial ends of the substrate may be exposed from the lowfriction material. In a further embodiment, a void may be disposedbetween a portion of the substrate and the low friction material. Thevoid may permit tolerance absorption through deformation of the lowfriction material.

Skilled artisans will recognize that while the description below isdirected to seat track assemblies, the disclosure is not intended to belimited to seat track assemblies, and can also include other linearmotion assemblies such as, for example, seat cushion depth adjustmentassemblies, seat length adjustment assemblies, seat back adjustmentassemblies, adjustable sliding console, sun and moon roof slidingmechanisms, window height adjustment systems, sliding doors, telescopingassemblies such as steering systems, slidable racks and brackets such asfound in dishwashers and oven racks, sliding drawers and cabinets,sliding surfaces, linear actuators, motors, gears, office componentssuch as printers, fax machines, scanners, copiers, and componentsperforming a plurality of such operations, assembly processes, automatedmachines and assemblies, or any other similar component or assemblywhich incorporates linear motion exhibited between two or morecomponents. Skilled artisans will further recognize that while thedisclosure is directed to linear motion assemblies, certain applicationsrequire rotational flexibility, where the sliding member provides a lowfriction surface for both linear and rotational translations

Referring to FIG. 1, a seat assembly 2 generally includes a seat havinga bottom portion 4 and a seat back 6. The seat back 6 may be pivotallyconnected with the bottom portion 4. The bottom portion 4 may include aframe 8, a cover 10, and a cushion or support disposed therebetween. Theseat back 6 may include an internal support 12. The seat assembly 2 mayprovide a location whereby a vehicle passenger may sit.

A seat track assembly 100 may be coupled to the seat assembly 2 alongthe bottom portion 4. In specific embodiments, the seat track assembly100 may attach to the frame 8 and can be secured thereto by a threadedor nonthreaded fastener, or other suitable attachment method.Alternatively, an intermediary member may be disposed between the seattrack assembly 100 and the frame 8. The intermediary member may includeone or more adjustment features or controls which permit adjustabilityand repositioning of the seat assembly 2. The seat track assembly 100may attach to a surface (e.g., a floor 14) of a vehicle, securing theseat assembly 2 thereto.

The seat track assembly 100 can generally include two spaced apart rails102 and 104 disposed in parallel orientation with respect to oneanother. The rails 102 and 104 may extend between the front and back ofthe seat assembly 2.

Each rail 102 and 104 may include laterally spaced apart receivers (alsoreferred to herein as components) 106 and 108, longitudinallytranslatable with respect to each other (FIG. 2). In a non-limitingembodiment, the receivers 106 and 108 can define a top receiver and abottom receiver, respectively. The top receiver 106 can be attached tothe frame 8 while the lower receiver 108 attaches to the floor 14. In analternate embodiment, the receivers 106 and 108 can define a leftreceiver and a right receiver, or can have any other suitable spatialrelationship with respect to one another. For example, one of thereceivers 106 or 108 may be disposed radially inside of the otherreceiver 106 or 108.

In an embodiment, the receivers 106 and 108 can each include a rigidmaterial, such as, for example, a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, or apolymer. In this regard, the receivers 106 and 108 can resistsignificant deformation upon application of a loading force condition,e.g., a transverse force applied to the receivers from the bottomportion 4 of the seat. In a particular embodiment, the receivers 106 and108 can include steel.

The receivers 106 and 108 may optionally be coated with a layer toprotect against corrosion or other potential damage. In particularembodiments, at least one of the receivers 106 or 108 or componentsthereof, may be coated with one or more temporary corrosion protectionlayers to prevent corrosion thereof prior to processing. Each of thelayers can have a thickness in a range of 1 micron and 50 microns, suchas in a range of 7 microns and 15 microns. The layers can include aphosphate of zinc, iron, manganese, or any combination thereof.Additionally, the layers can be a nano-ceramic layer. Further, layerscan include functional silanes, nano-scaled silane based primers,hydrolyzed silanes, organosilane adhesion promoters, solvent/water basedsilane primers, chlorinated polyolefins, passivated surfaces,commercially available zinc (mechanical/galvanic) or zinc-nickelcoatings, or any combination thereof. Temporary corrosion protectionlayers can be removed or retained during processing.

In particular embodiments, at least one of the receivers 106 or 108 orportions thereof may further include a permanent corrosion resistantcoating. The corrosion resistant coating can have a thickness of in arange of 1 micron and 50 microns, such as in a range of 5 microns and 20microns, or even in a range of 7 microns and 15 microns. The corrosionresistant coating can include an adhesion promoter layer and an epoxylayer. The adhesion promoter layer can include a phosphate of zinc,iron, manganese, tin, or any combination thereof. Additionally, theadhesion promoter layer can be nano-ceramic layer. The adhesion promoterlayer can include functional silanes, nano-scaled silane based layers,hydrolyzed silanes, organosilane adhesion promoters, solvent/water basedsilane primers, chlorinated polyolefins, passivated surfaces,commercially available zinc (mechanical/galvanic) or Zinc-Nickelcoatings, or any combination thereof.

The epoxy layer can be a thermal cured epoxy, a UV cured epoxy, an IRcured epoxy, an electron beam cured epoxy, a radiation cured epoxy, oran air cured epoxy. Further, the epoxy resin can includepolyglycidylether, diglycidylether, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, oxirane,oxacyclopropane, ethylenoxide, 1,2-epoxypropane, 2-methyloxirane,9,10-epoxy-9,10-dihydroanthracene, or any combination thereof. The epoxyresin can include synthetic resin modified epoxies based on phenolicresins, urea resins, melamine resins, benzoguanamine with formaldehyde,or any combination thereof. By way of example, epoxies can include monoepoxoide, bis epoxide, linear tris epoxide, ramified tris epoxide, orany combination thereof, wherein CxHyXzAu is a linear or ramifiedsaturated or unsaturated carbon chain with optionally halogen atoms Xzsubstituting hydrogen atoms, and optionally where atoms like nitrogen,phosphorous, boron, etc, are present and B is one of carbon, nitrogen,oxygen, phosphorous, boron, sulfur, etc.

The epoxy resin can further include a hardening agent. The hardeningagent can include amines, acid anhydrides, phenol novolac hardeners suchas phenol novolac poly[N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)maleimide] (PHPMI), resolephenol formaldehydes, fatty amine compounds, polycarbonic anhydrides,polyacrylate, isocyanates, encapsulated polyisocyanates, borontrifluoride amine complexes, chromic-based hardeners, polyamides, or anycombination thereof. Generally, acid anhydrides can conform to theformula R—C═O—O—C═O—R′ where R can be C_(X)H_(Y)X_(Z)Au as describedabove. Amines can include aliphatic amines such as monoethylamine,diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetraamine, and the like, alicyclicamines, aromatic amines such as cyclic aliphatic amines, cyclo aliphaticamines, amidoamines, polyamides, dicyandiamides, imidazole derivatives,and the like, or any combination thereof. Generally, amines can beprimary amines, secondary amines, or tertiary amines conforming to theformula R₁R₂R₃N where R can be C_(X)H_(Y)X_(Z)Au as described above.

In an embodiment, the epoxy layer can include fillers to improveconductivity, such as carbon fillers, carbon fibers, carbon particles,graphite, metallic fillers such as bronze, aluminum, and other metalsand their alloys, metal oxide fillers, metal coated carbon fillers,metal coated polymer fillers, or any combination thereof. The conductivefillers can allow current to pass through the epoxy coating and canincrease the conductivity of the coated bushing as compared to a coatedbushing without conductive fillers.

In an embodiment, the epoxy layer can increase the corrosion resistance.For example, the epoxy layer can substantially prevent corrosiveelements, such as water, salts, and the like, from contacting thereceiver 106 or 108, thereby inhibiting chemical corrosion thereof.Additionally, the epoxy layer can inhibit galvanic corrosion bypreventing contact between dissimilar metals.

Application of the corrosion resistant layer can include applying anepoxy coating. The epoxy can be a two-component epoxy or a singlecomponent epoxy. Advantageously, a single component epoxy can have alonger working life. The working life can be the amount of time frompreparing the epoxy until the epoxy can no longer be applied as acoating. For example, a single component epoxy can have a working lifeof months compared to a working life of a two-component epoxy of a fewhours.

In an embodiment, the epoxy layer can be applied by spray coating,e-coating, dip spin coating, electrostatic coating, flow coating, rollcoating, knife coating, coil coating, or the like. Additionally, theepoxy layer can be cured, such as by thermal curing, UV curing, IRcuring, electron beam curing, irradiation curing, or any combinationthereof. Preferably, the curing can be accomplished without increasingthe temperature of the component above the breakdown temperature of anyof the sliding layer, the adhesive layer, the woven mesh, or theadhesion promoter layer. Accordingly, the epoxy may be cured below about250° C., even below about 200° C.

In an embodiment, the corrosion resistant coating, and particularly theepoxy layer, can be applied to cover the exposed edges of the receivers106 or 108. E-coating and electrostatic coating can be particularlyuseful in applying the corrosion resistant coating layers to all exposedmetallic surfaces without coating the non-conducting sliding layer.Further, it is preferable for the corrosion resistant coating tocontinuously cover the exposed surfaces without cracks or voids. Thecontinuous, conformal covering can substantially prevent corrosiveelements such as salts and water from contacting the receivers 106 and108.

In certain embodiments, the rails 102 and 104 can be identical, ornearly identical with respect to one another. In this regard, specificreference to either rail 102 or 104 may also describe a suitableconfiguration for the other rail 102 or 104.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross section of rail 102 is illustrated. Ina non-limiting embodiment, the lower receiver 108 includes a channelportion having a base 110, two opposing sidewalls 112 a and 112 bextending from the base, and opposing upper flanged portions 114 a and114 b at the terminating upper portions of the sidewalls. The upperreceiver 106 can include an inverted configuration, generally oppositethe lower receiver 108, having a top 116, two opposing sidewalls 118 aand 118 b extending downward from the top, and opposing end portions 120a and 120 b at the terminating lower portions of the opposing sidewalls.The end portions 120 a and 120 b may have other configurations thanthose illustrated in FIG. 2. End portions 120 a and 120 b are arrangedto correspond with upper flanged portions 114 a and 114 b, respectively.

The receivers 106 and 108 can be arranged lengthwise with respect toeach other in an interlocking arrangement. The flanged portions 114 aand 114 b and end portions 120 a and 120 b of the lower and upperreceivers 108 and 106, respectively, can fit together and slidinglyinterconnect with one another, allowing the upper and lower receivers106 and 108 to functionally translate with respect to one another in alongitudinal direction without transversely detaching.

In certain embodiments, the receivers 106 and 108 may be reflectivelysymmetrical about a vertically intersecting plane. In this regard, thestructure of the left and right sides of each rail 102 and 104 may havethe same structure and size. This may enable even load sharing along theleft and right sides of the rails 102 and 104, resulting in increasedstructural strength. In other embodiments, the receivers 106 and 108 maybe asymmetrical about a vertically intersecting plane. This may permitspecific shaping of the rails 102 and 104 to transmit and supportspecific loading arrangements.

One or more sliding members 122 can be disposed between the receivers106 and 108. More particularly, a plurality of sliding members 122 canbe disposed between and interspace the receivers 106 and 108 from oneanother. In this regard, the sliding members 122 may be interposedbetween and bear against the receivers 106 and 108.

At least one of the sliding members 122 may be free of an externallyapplied lubricant. In an embodiment, at least one of the sliding members122 may be self-lubricating.

Typical ball bearing arrangements as seen in known seat track assembliesrequire use of a lubricant to prevent binding and grinding between therails or ball bearings. Most notably, the lubricant may consist of aquasi- or semisolid lubricant such as, for example, a grease. The greasemay be applied along an outer surface of the ball bearings; however,during operation it may peel or strip therefrom, thus dirtying theinternal cabin of the vehicle. Loose grease may collect particles andcabin dirt, changing the sliding dynamics within the ball bearing seattrack assembly. Moreover, loss of grease along the outer surface of theball bearings may change force characteristics in the seat assembly,making it more difficult to longitudinally translate the receivers andwith respect to one another.

In accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein, atleast one of the sliding members 122 can at least partially include alow friction material. For example, a fluoropolymer, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Other exemplary fluoropolymers caninclude a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), a polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a terpolymer oftetrafluoroethylene, a hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride(THV), a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), an ethylenetetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), an ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), or any combination thereof.Additionally, it is possible to use other sliding materials, such as forexample, those marketed by the applicant under the trademark Norglide®.In another embodiment, at least one of the sliding members 122 caninclude a polyimide, such as for example, those marketed by theapplicant under the trademark Meldin® 2000, 7000, 8100, or 9000, or athermoplastic, such as for example, those marketed by the Applicantunder the trademark Meldin® 1000, 3100, or 5000.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in a particular aspect, at least one of thesliding members 122 may include an elongated tube or structure(hereinafter structure 124) having a sidewall extending between opposingterminal (axial) ends thereof. The sidewall may extend a length, L,between the opposing terminal ends.

The length, L, of the structure 124 may be greater than a width, W, andheight, H, thereof. For example, the length of the structure 124 may begreater than 1.0 W and 1.0 H (1.0 W and H), such as greater than 1.5 Wand H, greater than 2.0 W and H, greater than 2.5 W and H, greater than3.0 W and H, greater than 3.5 W and H, greater than 4.0 W and H, greaterthan 4.5 W and H, greater than 5.0 W and H, greater than 6.0 W and H,greater than 7.0 W and H, greater than 8.0 W and H, greater than 9.0 Wand H, or even greater than 10.0 W and H. The length, L, may be nogreater than 500 W and H, such as no greater than 400 W and H, nogreater than 300 W and H, no greater than 200 W and H, or even nogreater than 100 W and H.

The structure 124 may have a maximum width or height (or diameter in thecase of an ellipsoidal cross sectional profile) of at least 1 mm, suchas at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, or even at least 5 mm.The maximum width or height (or diameter in the case of an ellipsoidalcross sectional profile) can be no greater than 75 mm, such as nogreater than 60 mm, no greater than 45 mm, no greater than 30 mm, nogreater than 15 mm, or even no greater than 10 mm. The length, L, of thestructure 124 may be at least 1 mm, such as at least 5 mm, at least 10mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, or even at least 40 mm. The lengthmay be no greater than 750 mm, such as no greater than 500 mm, or evenno greater than 250 mm.

In an embodiment, at least one of the structures 124 may have an outersurface defining an ellipsoidal cross section. The sidewall of thestructure 124 may have an arcuate cross-sectional profile defining aclosed curve. In a more particular embodiment, the radius of curvatureof the sidewall may be constant along a perimeter thereof. In anothermore particular embodiment, the radius of curvature of the sidewall maybe different at different locations therealong. For example, thesidewall may define an ovular cross-sectional profile (e.g., FIG. 3J).Exemplary ovular profiles include a Cassini oval, a superellipse, aCartesian oval, an elliptical oval, or a vesica piscis.

In another embodiment, at least one of the structures 124 may have apolygonal cross section. For example, the structure 124 may have a crosssection selected from the following shapes: a triangle, a quadrilateral,a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, ahendecagon, a dodecagon, or another suitable polygonal shape. In anembodiment, the cross-sectional profile of at least one of thestructures 124 may be a regular polygon such that it is both equilateraland equiangular (e.g., FIG. 3E). In another embodiment, thecross-sectional profile of the structure 124 may be an irregular polygonsuch that it is not equilateral, equiangular, or both.

In yet another embodiment, at least one of the structures 124 may have across section with a polygonal portion and an ellipsoidal portion. Forexample, a first portion of the cross section may include a generallyarcuate surface while a second portion may include one or more straightsegments interconnected by a relative angle therebetween. In anembodiment, an outer profile having both polygonal portions andellipsoidal portions may more accurately fit within the space betweenthe receivers 106 and 108, forming a more uniform contact interface andcreating a more uniform pressure profile therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 3B, in an embodiment, one or more apertures 126 mayextend at least partially between opposing terminal ends of thestructure 124. The aperture may extend at least 0.05 L, such as at least0.1 L, at least 0.2 L, at least 0.3 L, at least 0.4 L, at least 0.5 L,at least 0.6 L, at least 0.7 L, at least 0.8 L, or even at least 0.9 L.In a particular embodiment, the aperture(s) 126 may extend entirelythrough the length of the structure 124. It is possible to have anaperture 126 in some, but not all, of the structures 124. Moreover, itis possible to have apertures 126 with different lengths, widths andshapes at different locations or the same relative locations withindifferent structures 124. In this regard, the apertures 126 can bedisposed along the structures 124 at suitable locations.

In a particular embodiment, the aperture 126 may include a uniformprofile as measured along the length of the structure 124. In such amanner, the aperture 126 can extend uniformly along the length of thestructure 124. In another embodiment, the aperture 126 can have avarying (changing) cross-sectional shape as measured along the length ofthe structure 124. For example, the aperture 126 may have a firstdiameter at a first location along the length of the structure 124 and asecond diameter different from the first diameter at a second locationalong the length of the structure 124. In such a manner, the profile ofthe aperture 126 can be made to be suitable for specific pressureprofiles and gradients exhibited along certain locations of the seattrack assembly 100. For example, the aperture may be smaller nearlocations where higher pressures will be exerted against the structure.

Each of the apertures 126 may define an ellipsoidal cross section, apolygonal cross section, or a combination thereof. FIGS. 3C to 3Jillustrate exemplary cross sectional profiles of the structures andaperture(s).

FIG. 3C illustrates a structure 182 having a plurality of apertures 184and 184. Each aperture 184 and 184 can extend at least partially along alength of the structure 182. In an embodiment, the apertures 184 and 184can extend equidistant through the structure 182. In another embodiment,the apertures can have different lengths. In a particular embodiment,the apertures can extend between different end points relative to thelength fo the structure 182. That is, axial ends of the apertures canterminate at different relative positions along the length of thestructure 182. As illustrated, the apertures 184 and 184 can bereflectively symmetrical about a plane intersecting the structure 182.In an embodiment, at least one of the apertures 184 may have a uniformshape as measured along the entire length thereof. In anotherembodiment, at least one of the apertures 184 may have a varying shapeas measured along the length thereof.

FIG. 3D illustrates a structure 186 having a plurality of apertures 188.The apertures 188 can each have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, e.g.,a triangular shape. At least two of the apertures 188 can berotationally symmetrical with one another. In a particular embodiment,the apertures 188 can be rotationally symmetrical about a central axisof the structure 186. In another embodiment, the apertures 188 can berotationally symmetrical about a line that is spaced apart from thecentral axis of the structure 186. In a non-illustrated embodiment, theapertures 186 may be both rotationally and reflectively symmetrical.

FIGS. 3E to 3J illustrate various other arrangements and configurationsfor structure 124 and apertures 126 disposed therein. The illustratedembodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.Skilled artisans will recognize that many other shapes andconfigurations are possible for the structures 124 and the apertures126. For example, in a non-illustrated embodiment, at least one of theapertures may extend between the terminal end of the structure and thesidewall thereof. In such a manner, a central axis of the aperture isnot parallel with the central axis of the structure. Moreover, theelements illustrated in the figures can be interchanged, combined, orremoved in any combination to provide suitable force and tolerancecompensating characteristics.

In an embodiment, at least one of the structures 124 can have ahomogeneous composition (e.g., FIG. 4A). In this regard, the entirestructure 124 can include a single material. More particularly, theentire structure 124 can include a low friction material 127, such as,for example, those materials described above.

In another embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, at leastone of the structures 124 can have a composite construction. Forexample, the structure 124 may include a low friction material 127coupled to a substrate 125. Exemplary substrates 125 include a metal,metal alloy, a ceramic, or a polymer, such as an elastomer. Thesubstrate 125 may be disposed at least partially within one or more ofthe apertures 126 of the structure 124. In a more particular embodiment,the substrate 125 may be fully disposed within at least one of theapertures 126.

In an embodiment, the substrate 125 can be disposed within the structure124 so as to be at least partially positioned along an outer perimeterof the aperture 126. More particularly, the substrate 125 can bepositioned along an entire perimeter of the aperture 126. For example,the substrate 125 may comprise a strip or layer of material disposedalong an outer surface of the aperture 126. The strip or layer may havea thickness that is less than half the diameter of the aperture 126. Inan embodiment, the strip may not fully occupy the entire aperture 126.

In a particular embodiment, the substrate 125 may include a spring.Exemplary springs include helical springs formed of circular orotherwise ellipsoidal wire and helical springs formed of rectangular orotherwise polygonal wire. The helical spring may include a plurality ofcoils, such as at least 2 coils, at least 3 coils, at least 4 coils, atleast 5 coils, at least 10 coils, at least 25 coils, or even at least100 coils. In an embodiment, the helical spring may include no greaterthan 10,000 coils, such as no greater than 5,000 coils, or even nogreater than 1,000 coils.

In an embodiment, the coils may be canted within the aperture 126. Thatis, the coils may be angularly biased within the aperture 126. This mayreduce compressive force necessary to deform the structure 124 in aradial direction as compared to a structure 124 having a spring withnon-canted coils.

In an embodiment, the spring may be secured within the aperture 126 byan interference fit with the low friction material 127. In anotherembodiment, the spring may be secured within the aperture 126, forexample, by an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, another suitableengagement element or method, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the spring may at least partially embed within the lowfriction material 127. That is, a portion of at least one of the coils(e.g., a radially outermost surface of the at least one coil) may extendradially outward beyond the original aperture 126 into the low frictionmaterial 127.

Another suitable spring may include a ring formed from a sheet ofmaterial rolled to a generally cylindrical configuration. In aparticular embodiment, the ring may be formed of a steel, such as springsteel. In an embodiment, the ring may have a wall thickness of at least0.1 mm, such as at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, oreven at least 0.5 mm. In an embodiment, the ring may have a wallthickness of no greater than 10 mm, no greater than 3 mm, such as nogreater than 2.5 mm, no greater than 2.0 mm, no greater than 1.5 mm, oreven no greater than 1.0 mm.

A gap 129 may extend along at least part of the axial length of thering. In a particular embodiment, the gap 129 may extend along the fullaxial length thereof. In this regard, the ring can be a split ringhaving a generally C-shaped configuration when viewed along a centralaxis thereof. In a particular embodiment, the gap 129 may be closed(e.g., by welding).

In an embodiment, the circumferential width of the gap 129 may bedifferent after installation of the spring into the aperture 126 ascompared to the gap prior to installation. In a particular embodiment,the circumferential width of the gap 129 may decrease after installationof the spring into the aperture 126.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the spring may provide aspring rate in a radially outward direction so as to outwardly bias thelow friction material 127. In certain embodiments, structure 124including the spring may exhibit progressive, linear, or degressivespring rate characteristic.

In an embodiment, the spring rate of the structure including the springmay be at least 10 N/mm, such as at least 50 N/mm, at least 100 N/mm, atleast 150 N/mm, at least 200 N/mm, at least 250 N/mm, at least 300 N/mm,at least 350 N/mm, or even at least 400 N/mm. In an embodiment, thespring rate of the structure 124 including the spring may be no greaterthan 800 N/mm, such as no greater than 700 N/mm, no greater than 600N/mm, no greater than 550 N/mm, no greater than 500 N/mm, or even nogreater than 450 N/mm. Structures with high spring rates may providegreater structural support with reduced tolerance absorption, whilestructures with low spring rates may better absorb tolerance andmisalignment within the seat track assembly.

In a non-limiting example, the structure 124 has an outer diameter of6.7 mm, and a centrally disposed aperture 126 having a diameter of 5.7mm. A split ring spring having the same length as the structure 124 isinserted into the aperture 126. The split ring has a wall thickness of0.4 mm, a circumferential gap width of 1.5 mm, and an outer diameter of5.8 mm. Force is applied to the structure 124 along the outer surface ina direction normal thereto. Application of a force of 64 N compressesthe structure by 0.15 mm. Application of a force of 82 N compresses thestructure by 0.2 mm. Application of a force of 98 N compresses thestructure by 0.25 N.

In an embodiment, the spring may operate in a compressed state,providing an outwardly biasing pressure against the low frictionmaterial 127 in all, or most, conditions.

Skilled artisans will understand that other spring configurations may besuitable and that the spring configuration is not limited to theexemplary embodiments described above.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the substrate 125 may be disposedwithin one or more of the structures 124 at a location spaced apart fromthe aperture(s) 126. For example, a sidewall of the structure 124 mayhave an embedded substrate contained, or at least partially contained,therein.

In an embodiment, the substrate may be fully encapsulated in the lowfriction material. In this regard, an entire outer, exposed surface ofthe structure 124 may include the low friction material. In anotherembodiment, the substrate may be exposed along a portion thereof, suchas, for example, along the opposing terminal ends. In such a manner, thesubstrate may be encapsulated only along the perimeter of the aperture126.

Substrates of different materials may be utilized in differentstructures 124 or even within the same structure 124. In an embodiment,the substrates of different materials may be disposed within differentapertures 126 of the same structure 124. In an embodiment, substrates ofdifferent materials may even be disposed within the same aperture 126 atdifferent relative positions therein. For example, the multiplesubstrates can extend adjacent to one another along at least a portionof the length of the aperture 126. Alternatively, the multiplesubstrates may be disposed in contiguous sections, each along a portionof the length of the aperture 126. In an embodiment, the multiplesubstrates may be coaxial, e.g., the different substrates each form alayer of a single substrate.

The force and tolerance profile of the structure 124 may be adjusted orsuitably engineered at various locations along the length of thestructure 124 by varying the number and location of the apertures 126within the structure 124 and by including or excluding use of one ormore substrates therein. For example, decreasing a volume of material inthe structure 124 by increasing the size or number of the apertures 126therein may reduce transverse stiffness of the structure 124. This mayallow for greater tolerance absorption. Conversely, utilizing asubstrate within the aperture(s) 126, or utilizing a structure 124devoid of apertures 126, may increase transverse stiffness of thestructure 124 relative to a structure having an aperture devoid of asubstrate therein.

The arrangement and configuration of the structures 124 within the seattrack assembly 100 is configurable with respect to location that thestructure is disposed within the seat track assembly 100 and loadingconditions therealong. For example, it may be desirable to utilize astructure 124 having at least one aperture 126 including a substrate atlocations experiencing high transverse loading conditions (e.g., atprimarily load bearing areas within the seat track assembly), while astructure having an open (empty) aperture 126 may be more desirable at alocation requiring a high degree of tolerance compensation (e.g., atnon-load bearing areas within the seat track assembly 100) wheredeformation of the structure 124 may allow for absorption ofmisalignment and variances between the receivers 106 and 108. Byarranging the structures 124 in a suitable configuration, desirabletolerance and strength properties can be achieved along the seat trackassembly 100.

In an embodiment, a first structure having an open aperture may bedisposed between the opposing upper flanged portion 114 a of thereceiver 108 and the end portion 120 a of the receiver 106, while asecond structure having a filled aperture or no aperture may be disposedbetween the receiver 106 and the base 110 of the receiver 108 (FIG. 2).In such a manner, the second structure can provide vertical supportbetween the receivers 106 and 108 with minimal tolerance absorption,while the first structure can provide tolerance absorption and form azero clearance fit within the rail 102, preventing rattling andundesirable transverse play therein.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in another aspect, at least one of the slidingmembers may include a slide pin 128. The slide pin 128 can include anelongated cylinder having a length, L_(SP), and a diameter, D_(SP). Theslide pin 128 can define an aspect ratio, as measured by a ratio of thelength to width. Unlike with ball bearings, it is not required that theaspect ratio be 1:1. For example, the slide pin 128 can have an aspectratio of at least 1.1:1, such as at least 1.5:1, at least 2:1, at least3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, or even at least 10:1. The aspect ratiomay be as great as 1,000:1. In another embodiment, the slide pin 128 canhave an aspect ratio of no greater than 0.9:1, such as no greater than0.5:1, or even no greater than 0.25:1. The aspect ratio may be as smallas 0.001:1.

Prior to installation between the receivers 106 and 108, the slide pin128 can have a generally cylindrical sidewall extending between opposingterminal ends. The generally cylindrical sidewall can define an averagepreassembled diameter, as measured prior to installation betweenreceivers 106 and 108, and an average assembled diameter, as measuredafter installation between the receivers 106 and 108, different than theaverage preassembled diameter. More particularly, the average assembleddiameter can be less than the average preassembled diameter. In thisregard, the slide pin 128 may be oversized prior to installation,adapted to absorb tolerances within the space between the receivers 106and 108. Additionally, the slide pins 128 may maintain a zero clearancebetween the receivers 106 and 108.

Referring to FIG. 6, in a more particular embodiment, prior toinstallation between the receivers 106 and 108, the slide pin 128 canhave a barrel shape, such that the diameter of the slide pin 128 isgreater at a middle portion 130 as compared to an end portion 132thereof. For example, the diameter of the middle portion can be 101% thediameter of the end portion, such as at least 102% the diameter of theend portion, at least 103% the diameter of the end portion, at least104% the diameter of the end portion, at least 105% the diameter of theend portion, at least 110% the diameter of the end portion, at least115% the diameter of the end portion, at least 120% the diameter of theend portion, at least 125% the diameter of the end portion, at least130% the diameter of the end portion, at least 135% the diameter of theend portion, at least 140% the diameter of the end portion, at least145% the diameter of the end portion, or even at least 150% the diameterof the end portion. The diameter of the middle portion can be no greaterthan 250% the diameter of the end portion, such as no greater than 200%the diameter of the end portion, or even no greater than 175% thediameter of the end portion.

In an embodiment, an outer surface 134 of the slide pin 128 may extendat a constant angle relative to a central axis 136 of the slide pin 128,as measured from one of the end portions 132 to the middle portion 130.In another embodiment, an angle of the outer surface 134 can varybetween the end portion 132 and the middle portion 130.

In a particular embodiment, upon installation between the receivers 106and 108, the outer surface 134 of at least one of the slide pins 128 maydeform from a barrel shape to a cylindrical, or generally cylindrical,shape where the diameter of the middle portion 130, as measured in theassembled state, is less than the diameter of the middle portion 130, asmeasured prior to assembly. In such a manner, the slide pin 128 maycompress, accommodating for tolerances and misalignments within thespace between the receivers 106 and 108.

As seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8, the slide pin 128 may include a substrate138 and a low friction material 140. The substrate 138 can include arigid material, such as a metal or a polymer. More particularly, thesubstrate 138 can include a steel, such as spring steel. The substrate138 can define a generally cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, thesubstrate 138 is solid, devoid of hollow portions. In an alternateembodiment, the substrate 138 may be hollow, including a cavity, such asa central cavity. Solid substrates may be more suitable for load bearingapplication whereas hollow substrates may accommodate misalignment andtolerances between the receivers. Thus, suitable substrate configurationmay be determined based on relative location within the seat trackassembly 100. In certain embodiments, all of the slide pins may be thesame as one another. In other embodiments, at least two slide pins inthe assembly may be different from one another.

In certain embodiments, the substrate 138 may include an annulardepression 142 having a diameter less than a maximum diameter of thesubstrate 138 (e.g., FIG. 7A). For example, the diameter of the annulardepression 142 may be no greater than 99% of the maximum diameter of thesubstrate, such as no greater than 98% of the maximum diameter of thesubstrate, no greater than 97% of the maximum diameter of the substrate,no greater than 96% of the maximum diameter of the substrate, no greaterthan 95% of the maximum diameter of the substrate, no greater than 90%of the maximum diameter of the substrate, or even no greater than 75% ofthe maximum diameter of the substrate. Moreover, the diameter of theannular depression 142 can be no less than 25% of the maximum diameterof the substrate.

In a further embodiment, the substrate can include at least two annulardepressions, such as at least three annular depressions, or even atleast four annular depressions. The annular depressions may extendentirely around the circumference of the substrate 138 or along aportion of the circumference of the substrate. The annular depressionsmay have the same dimensional characteristics with respect to eachother. In another embodiment, at least two of the annular depressionscan have different dimensional characteristics with respect to eachother.

In an embodiment, the annular depression 142 can be centrally disposedalong the length of the substrate 138. In another embodiment, theannular depression 142 can be offset from the middle portion 130 of thesubstrate 138. For example, the annular depression 142 may be offsetfrom the middle portion 130 by at least 1% of the length of thesubstrate, such as by at least 2% of the length of the substrate, by atleast 3% of the length of the substrate, by at least 4% of the length ofthe substrate, by at least 5% of the length of the substrate, by atleast 10% of the length of the substrate, by at least 15% of the lengthof the substrate, by at least 20% of the length of the substrate, by atleast 25% of the length of the substrate, by at least 30% of the lengthof the substrate, by at least 35% of the length of the substrate, by atleast 40% of the length of the substrate, or even by at least 45% of thelength of the substrate. In an embodiment, the annular depression 142may be offset from the middle portion 130 by no greater than 50% of thelength of the substrate, such as by no greater than 49% of the length ofthe substrate, by no greater than 48% of the length of the substrate, byno greater than 47% of the length of the substrate, or even by nogreater than 46% of the length of the substrate.

The annular depression 142 can extend along at least 10% of the lengthof the substrate, along at least 20% of the length of the substrate,along at least 30% of the length of the substrate, along at least 40% ofthe length of the substrate, or even along at least 50% of the length ofthe substrate. In an embodiment, the annular depression 142 can extendalong no greater than 80% of the length of the substrate, such as nogreater than 70% of the length of the substrate.

The low friction material 140 can extend around a circumference of thesubstrate 138 so as to form an outer layer of the slide pin 128. The lowfriction material 140 can contact an outer surface of the substrate 138along at least a portion thereof. Those embodiments including an annulardepression 142 may include a void 144 between the outer surface of thesubstrate 138 and an inner surface of the low friction material 140, asseen in the preinstalled state. In certain embodiments, uponinstallation, the low friction material 140 can at least partiallycollapse into the void 144 (FIG. 7B). This may allow the slide pin 128to adjust for the tolerances and misalignments between the receivers.

In an embodiment, the low friction material 140 can be coupled to atleast a portion, such as all, of the substrate 138. In a particularembodiment, the low friction material 140 can be extruded or molded overthe substrate 138. The low friction material 140 may be overmolded,injection molded, or otherwise positioned over the substrate 138 in amolten, or semi-molten state.

In another embodiment, the low friction material 140 can include agenerally hollow cylinder. The substrate 138 can be urged into thehollow interior of the cylinder, for example, by pressing the substrate138 in a direction between opposing axial ends of the low frictionmaterial 140. In an embodiment, the low friction material 140 caninclude a gap 145. The gap 145 may extend along at least a portion ofthe axial length of the low friction material 140. More particularly,the gap 145 may extend along the entire axial length of the low frictionmaterial 140. In an embodiment, the circumferential ends of the lowfriction material 140 may be spaced apart by at least 1°, such as atleast 2°, at least 3°, at least 4°, at least 5°, or even at least 10°.In particular embodiments, the gap may allow the substrate 138 to passinto the hollow interior of the cylinder in a transverse direction.

In yet a further embodiment, the low friction material 140 can include arolled sheet of low friction material. A blank may be cut from a sheetof material. The sheet of material may be homogenous or have a compositeconstruction. The blank can include a polygonal shape, an arcuate shape,or a combination thereof. The blank can be rolled into a generallycylindrical shape (e.g., a barrel shape). Rolling can occur around thesubstrate 138 or around a template structure. The rolled sheet ofmaterial can then be fixed relative to the substrate 138. In anembodiment, fixing of the rolled sheet of material can occur by bending,or crimping, the ends of the low friction material adjacent to the axialends of the substrate 138. In a particular instance, this can leave aportion of the substrate 138 exposed such that it is visible. In anotherinstance, sizing of the blank can be done such that crimping of the lowfriction material completely covers the substrate 138. A gap may bepresent along the axial length of the slide pin. In an embodiment, thegap can be closed, for example, by welding, adhesion, a mechanicalinterconnect (e.g., a puzzle-piece interface), another suitable method,or any combination thereof.

In particular embodiments, the slide pin 128 can include a low frictionmaterial 140 without an internally disposed substrate. The low frictionmaterial 140 may include any of the characteristics as described above.For example, the low friction material 140 may include a gap 145extending along at least a portion of the axial length of the lowfriction material 140. Usage of a slide pin 128 without an internalsubstrate may permit greater geometric flexibility. This may enhancetolerance absorption capacity of the slide pin 128.

In an embodiment, the low friction material 140 can define a sidewallthickness, T_(S), less than a diameter of the substrate 138. Forexample, the diameter of the substrate 138 can be greater than 1.1T_(S), such as greater than 1.5 T_(S), greater than 2 T_(S), greaterthan 3 T_(S), greater than 4 T_(S), greater than 5 T_(S), greater than 6T_(S), greater than 7 T_(S), greater than 8 T_(S), greater than 9 T_(S),greater than 10 T_(S), greater than 15 T_(S), greater than 20 T_(S),greater than 25 T_(S), greater than 50 T_(S), or even greater than 75T_(S). In certain embodiments, the diameter of the substrate 138 can beno greater than 500 T_(S), such as no greater than 250 T_(S), or even nogreater than 100 T_(S).

In an embodiment, T_(S) can be at least 0.1 mm, such as at least 0.5 mm,at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5mm, or even at least 10 mm. In an embodiment, T_(S) can be no greaterthan 75 mm.

The low friction material 140 can be adhered or otherwise secured to thesubstrate 138 by an adhesive or a mechanical fixture, such as a pin orcollar. Alternatively, the low friction material 140 can freely floatrelative to the substrate 138, permitting relative rotational or axialmovement therebetween. In such a manner, the low friction material 140may slide or rotate relative to the substrate 138.

During installation, the slide pin 128 may be longitudinally insertablebetween the receivers 106 and 108. In an embodiment, the slide pin 128can include a rounded edge 146 disposed between the sidewall and atleast one of the opposing end portions 132. The rounded edge 146 may actas a guide portion. The rounded edge 146 may facilitate easier alignmentbetween the slide pin 128 and the receivers 106 and 108. In anembodiment, the rounded edge 146 can have a radius of curvature in arange of 0.1 mm and 50 mm, such as in a range of 0.5 mm and 10 mm, oreven in a range of 1 mm and 2 mm. In an embodiment, the radius ofcurvature can be no greater than 10 mm. In a more particular embodiment,the radius of curvature can be approximately 1 mm.

Referring again to FIG. 5, one or more of the slide pins 128 may includeat least one opposing axial cavity 148. Referring now to FIG. 9, a pin,post, or other member (not illustrated) of a support feature 150 may beat least partially inserted into the at least one opposing axial cavity148 of the slide pins 128. The at least one opposing axial cavity 148may form an interference fit with the support feature 150, preventingrelative disconnection therefrom.

The support feature 150 may include a frame 152 having a plurality ofopenings 154 disposed therein. The frame 152 may include a relativelyrigid material, e.g., a rigid polymer, a metal, or an alloy. In anembodiment, the frame 152 may have a length, L_(F), no greater than thelength of the rails of the seat track assembly. For example, the lengthof the seat track assembly may be at least 1.0 L_(F), such as at least1.01 L_(F), at least 1.02 L_(F), at least 1.03 L_(F), at least 1.04L_(F), at least 1.05 L_(F), at least 1.1 L_(F), or even at least 1.25L_(F). In a further embodiment, the length of the seat track assemblymay be no greater than 50 L_(F), such as no greater than 25 L_(F), nogreater than 10 L_(F), no greater than 5 L_(F), or even no greater than2 L_(F).

In an embodiment, the frame 152 can have a thickness, as measuredbetween opposing major surfaces thereof, of at least 0.1 mm, such as atleast 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, or even at least 5 mm. In a furtherembodiment, the thickness can be no greater than 50 mm, such as nogreater than 20 mm, or even no greater than 10 mm.

The openings 154 can each be sized and shaped to receive a slide pin128. In a particular embodiment, at least one of the openings 154 mayhave a generally polygonal shape. In a more particular embodiment, atleast one of the openings 154 may have a generally rectangular shape. Inanother embodiment, at least one of the openings 154 may have anellipsoidal shape. In a more particular embodiment, at least one of theopenings 154 may have an ovular shape. In certain embodiments, at leasttwo of the openings 154 may have a same or similar shape with respect toeach other. In a further embodiment, all of the openings 154 may havethe same shape with respect to each other. In another embodiment, atleast two of the openings 154 may have different shapes with respect toeach other. The opposing axial cavities 148 of the slide pins 128 cancouple with the frame 152. In an embodiment, the slide pins 128 canfreely rotate or slide within the openings 154.

In an embodiment, the support feature 150 may include two rows ofopenings 154, e.g., a top row 156 and a bottom row 158. In a particularembodiment, the top and bottom rows 156 and 158 can be spaced apart andextend in parallel with respect to each other.

Additional openings may be disposed along the frame 152, for example,between rows 156 and 158. The additional openings may reduce mass of theframe 152. In an embodiment, a component can be disposed within at leastone of the additional openings to further enhance relatively slidabilitywithin the rail.

The support feature 150 can be shaped to fit between the receivers 106and 108. In such a manner, the assembled support features 150 (includingslide pins 128) may be quickly installed within the rails. In certainembodiments, the support feature 150 may float with respect to thereceivers 106 and 108. That is, the support feature 150 may not contacteither of the receivers 106 and 108. In particular embodiments, it maybe possible to replace old ball bearing races of a preexisting seatassembly with the assembled support features 150 as a replacement, orafter market component.

In an embodiment, the top and bottom rows 156 and 158 of the supportfeature 150 can include different sliding members 122. In a particularembodiment, at least one structure 124 can be disposed within the toprow 156 of openings 154 in the support feature 150 while at least oneslide pin 128 can be disposed within the bottom row 158 of the openings154 of the support feature 150. In another particular embodiment, thetop row 156 can include all structures 124 whereas the bottom row 158can include all slide pins 128. More particularly, the bottom row 158can include filled slide pins 128, i.e., the slide pins 128 include asubstrate for increased transverse strength and resistance todeformation. In an alternate embodiment, the top row 156 can include allslide pins 128 and the bottom row 158 can include all structures 124.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in an embodiment the top row of thesupport frame 152 can include slide pins 128 and a structure 124. Thebottom row can include either slide pins 128 alone or in combinationwith one or more structure 124. Referring to the top row, in aparticular embodiment, the structure 124 may be disposed between two ormore slide pins 128. The structure 124 may have a length greater thanthe length of the slide pins 128.

In an embodiment, the structure 124 disposed in the top row may have anouter diameter, as measured in the undeformed state, that is greaterthan the outer diameter of the slide pins 128 in the top row. In afurther embodiment, the outer diameter of the structure 124, as measuredin the undeformed state, may be greater than the gap distance betweenthe receivers 106 and 108. The structures 124 in the top row of theframe 152 in FIG. 11 are illustrated exaggerated into the receivers 106and 108 in an undeformed state, as they may appear prior toinstallation. Oversizing the structure 124 may allow for bettertolerance and misalignment absorption between the receivers 106 and 108.This may reduce the occurrence of noise, vibration, and the transfer ofharshness (NVH) within the seat track assembly, which may result insmoother and quieter passenger experience.

In an embodiment, the diameter of the structure 124, as measured in theundeformed state, can be at least 1.01 the diameter of at least one ofthe slide pins 128, such as at least 1.02 the diameter of at least oneof the slide pins, at least 1.03 the diameter of at least one of theslide pins, at least 1.04 the diameter of at least one of the slidepins, at least 1.05 the diameter of at least one of the slide pins, atleast 1.1 the diameter of at least one of the slide pins, or even atleast 1.15 the diameter of at least one of the slide pins. In a moreparticular embodiment, the diameter of the structure 124, as measured inthe undeformed state, can be at least 1.01 the diameter of all of theslide pins 128, such as at least 1.02 the diameter of all of the slidepins, at least 1.03 the diameter of all of the slide pins, at least 1.04the diameter of all of the slide pins, at least 1.05 the diameter of allof the slide pins, at least 1.1 the diameter of all of the slide pins,or even at least 1.15 the diameter of all of the slide pins.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, a structure may be disposed along thebottom row of the frame 152. Similar to the structure 124 in the toprow, utilization of a structure within the bottom row may further reduceNVH within the seat track assembly.

Skilled artisans will recognize after reading this description thatwhile rail designs vary, it may be generally desirable to position loadbearing sliding members 122 in certain positions within the rail andnon-load bearing, tolerance compensating sliding members 122 in otherpositions within the rail. In such a manner, filled structures 124 orslide pins including rigid substrates may support vertical loads, whileempty structures 124 may provide superior tolerance compensation.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in another aspect, at least one of the slidingmembers 122 may be a composite strip 160 including a substrate 162coupled to a low friction material 164. The low friction material 164can include any of the above described low friction materials,including, for example, a fluoropolymer, such as a PTFE. The substrate162 can include a rigid material, such as described above. For example,the substrate 162 can include a metal, an alloy, or a rigid polymer. Ina particular embodiment, the substrate 162 can include a steel, such asspring steel.

In an embodiment, the low friction material 164 may be applied to thesubstrate 162, for example, by a lamination process or by theapplication of a heat, a pressure, welding, or an adhesive. In anotherembodiment, the low friction material 164 may be coated on the substrate162, for example, by an extrusion or spray coating process.

The strip 160 can be machined after application of the low frictionmaterial 164, for example, by calendaring or pickling to affect asuitable surface finish. Other suitable processes can be utilized toachieve desired surface finish.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the strip 160 can include one or morecorrugations, notches, grooves, slots, or other similar featuresextending therealong. These features may alter the stiffness profile ofthe strip 160. More specifically, these features may create localizedpoints of increased or decreased stiffness, allowing for precisestructural engineering of the strip 160. These features may also alterthe tolerance compensation properties of the strip 160. Morespecifically, these features may create localized points of increased ordecreased tolerance absorption capacity. In this regard, it may bepossible to permit enhanced tolerance absorption along certain portionsof the strip 160. It may be simultaneously possible to have stifferportions of the strip 160 at other locations.

The strip 160 can include one or more ellipsoidal portions 166 as seenfrom a side view. In an embodiment, the ellipsoidal portions 166 can beformed by shaping portions of the strip 160. More particularly, theellipsoidal portions 166 can be at least partially formed by folding anend of the strip 160 toward the opposing end thereof.

Prior to shaping, the strip 160 can initially comprise a flat strip ofmaterial defining a (first) major surface 168 and a (second) majorsurface spaced apart by a thickness. In an embodiment, prior to shaping,the major surfaces can extend along generally parallel planes. In afurther embodiment, the strip 160 can have a uniform thickness asmeasured prior to shaping.

In an embodiment, prior to shaping, the strip 160 can define a firstedge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. In a moreparticular embodiment, the first and third edges can be disposed atopposite sides of the strip 160, and the second and fourth edges can bedisposed at opposite sides of the strip 160. In another embodiment, thestrip 160 can define more or less than four edges. For example, thestrip 160 can define a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, anoctagon, a nonagon, a decagon, or any other polygon having any number ofadditional edges. In a more particular embodiment, the strip 160 canhave a generally rectangular shape. In this regard, the first and thirdedges can be parallel with one another and the second and fourth edgescan be parallel with one another. Moreover, the first and third edgescan be perpendicular to the second and fourth edges.

During shaping, the first edge of the strip 160 can be shaped toward thethird edge. For example, the strip 160 can be folded, bent, or otherwisemanipulated such that a distance between the first and third edgesdecreases at one or more locations therealong to form the ellipsoidalportion 166. In a particular embodiment, the first edge can be uniformlyshaped toward the third edge, i.e., the ellipsoidal portion 166 has auniform shape and size along a length of the first edge.

After shaping the first edge toward the third edge, the third edge ofthe strip 160 can be shaped toward the first edge. For example, thestrip 160 can be folded, bent, or otherwise manipulated such that adistance between the third and first edges decreases.

The ellipsoidal portion(s) 166 of the strip 160 can each define one ormore apertures 172. The apertures 172 can extend along a plane parallelwith the length of the ellipsoidal portion 166.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, and in accordance with an embodiment, theapertures 172 can have different relative shapes and sizes with respectto each other. For example, the upper aperture 172 can have a smallerwidth than the lower aperture 172. Alternatively, the lower aperture 172can have a smaller width than the upper aperture 172. Reference tospatial descriptions as used herein is with made respect to theorientation as illustrated in the figures.

The strip 160 may deform upon installation in the rail 102 or 104. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the lower ellipsoidal portion 166 bmay press against itself and slide along the lower receiver 108.Application of a loading condition, e.g., weight of a passenger, in avertical direction upon application of a vertical loading condition (asillustrated by lines 174) may deform the strip 160. In an embodiment,the ellipsoidal portion 166 b may deform to match, or substantiallymatch, the contact surfaces of the adjacent receiver 106 or 108.

After initial deformation is complete, e.g., the rail 102 is atequilibrium such that the strip 160 no longer deforms to the loadingcondition, the strip 160 may be considered “broken in.” In this state,the strip 160 may be accurately, or nearly accurately, fit between thereceivers 106 and 108.

In certain embodiments the upper ellipsoidal portion 166 a may provideminimal vertical support between the receivers 106 and 108. Rather, theellipsoidal portion 166 a may provide tolerance compensation forabsorbing acceptable manufacturing tolerances and misalignment withinthe receivers 106 and 108. Additionally, in particular embodiments, theupper ellipsoidal portion 166 a may provide lateral stability andlateral tolerance compensation characteristics.

Each strip 160 can have a length. In some embodiments the length of thestrip 160 may extend along at least a majority of the length of the rail102. For example, the strip 160 may extend at least 55% of the length ofthe rail 102, such as at least 60% of the rail, at least 65% of therail, at least 70% of the rail, at least 75% of the rail, at least 80%of the rail, at least 85% of the rail, or even at least 90% of the rail.In such embodiments, it may be possible to utilize a single strip 160 onopposite lateral side of the receiver 106. In other embodiments, it maybe desirable to utilize two or more strips 160 disposed on oppositelateral side of the receiver 106. In such a manner, each strip 160 canbe made suitable for the loading condition exhibited at a particularlocation within the rails 102. In a particular embodiment, the multiplestrips 160 on each opposite lateral side of the receiver 106 may beinterconnected with one another. For example, a connection portion (notillustrated) may extend between the lower ends of laterally oppositestrips 160. The connection portion may extend between the ellipsoidalportions 166 b. Alternatively, the ellipsoidal portions 166 b may beomitted. A single strip of material may extend between laterallyopposite ellipsoidal portions 166 a and 166 a. In a particularembodiment having multiple strips 160, the multiple strips 160 canfreely translate independent of one another.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, in another aspect, at least one of therails 102 and 104 may include an outer receiver 200, an inner receiver202 at least partially inscribed within the outer receiver 200, and oneor more sliding bars 204 disposed therebetween.

In a particular embodiment, at least one of the sliding bars 204 may besimilar to the structures in FIGS. 3A to 3J. In another embodiment, atleast one of the sliding bars 204 may include a generally bullet shapedprojection extending radially between the receivers 200 and 202. In aparticular embodiment, at least two of the sliding bars 204 may have thesame geometric configuration with respect to each other. In a furtherembodiment, all of the sliding bars 204 may have the same geometricconfiguration with respect to each other. In another embodiment, atleast two of the sliding bars 204 may have different geometricconfigurations with respect to each other.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sliding bars 204 may be disposedwithin a support component 206 to maintain proper positioning andorientation with respect to the receivers 200 and 202. The supportcomponent 206 may be coupled to one of the receivers 200 or 202, forexample, by an adhesive, a mechanical engagement, a threaded ornon-threaded fastener, or any other suitable engagement.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sliding bars 204 may extend alongat least a majority of the length of the rail 102. For example, the atleast one sliding bar 204 may extend at least 55% of the length of therail 102, such as at least 60% of the rail, at least 65% of the rail, atleast 70% of the rail, at least 75% of the rail, at least 80% of therail, at least 85% of the rail, or even at least 90% of the rail. Inanother embodiment, the at least one sliding bar 204 may extend lessthan 20% of the length of the rail 102, such as less than 15%, of therail, less than 10% of the rail, less than 5% of the rail, or even lessthan 1% of the rail.

In an embodiment, a plurality of sliding bars 204 may be interspacedalong the length of the rail 102. In such a manner, frictional buildupalong an interface between the sliding bars 204 and the receivers 200and 202 may be reduced. In an embodiment, there may be at least foursliding bars 204 disposed within the rail 102, such as at least 6sliding bars, at least 8 sliding bars, at least 10 sliding bars, or evenat least 12 sliding bars. In a further embodiment, there can be nogreater than 100 sliding bars disposed within the rail 102, such as nogreater than 75 sliding bars, no greater than 50 sliding bars, or evenno greater than 20 sliding bars.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sliding bars 204 may engage withat least one of the support components 206 by way of a complementaryengagement interface 208, such as, for example, a tongue and groovearrangement. In an embodiment, one of the sliding bar 204 or supportcomponent 206 can include a recess and the other can include aprojection adapted to extend into and secure within the recess. In afurther embodiment, the recess may further include flanged, recessedportions extending therefrom. The projection can include flangedextensions adapted to extend into and secure within the flanged,recessed portions of the recess. This may resemble, for example, aT-shape or a Y-shape. In certain embodiments, engagement of thecomplementary engagement interface 208 may be performed bylongitudinally translating one or both of the sliding bar 204 andsupport component 206 relative to one another.

In an embodiment, the sliding bar 204 may be further secured to thesupport component 206 by an adhesive, a threaded or non-threadedfastener, or by a suitable mechanical engagement device, such as forexample, a clip or detent.

The sliding bar 204 may contact the receiver 202 along a contactinterface 210. In an embodiment, the contact interface 210 can be aline, or nearly a line, contact extending along at least a portion ofthe length of the sliding bar 204. In another embodiment, the contactinterface 210 can include an area contact, e.g., contact having a lengthand a width.

In an embodiment, the sliding bar 204 can include a fluoropolymer, suchas a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Other exemplary fluoropolymers caninclude a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), a polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a terpolymer oftetrafluoroethylene, a hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride(THV), a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), an ethylenetetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), an ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), or any combination thereof.Additionally, it is possible to use other sliding materials, such as forexample, those marketed by the applicant under the trademark Norglide®.In another embodiment, the sliding bar 204 can include a polyimide, suchas for example, those marketed by the applicant under the trademarkMeldin® 2000, 7000, 8100, or 9000, or a thermoplastic, such as forexample, those marketed by the Applicant under the trademark Meldin®1000, 3100, or 5000.

The support component(s) 206 can include a rigid material, such as, forexample, a metal, an alloy, or a rigid polymer. The support component(s)206 can include a solid construction. In an embodiment, the supportcomponent 206 can include one or more apertures (not illustrated)adapted to absorb a tolerance or misalignment between the receivers 200and 202. In an embodiment, the support component 206 can be monolithic,e.g., the support component 206 includes a uniform construction.

In certain embodiments, the rail 102 may further include one or moretolerance absorption elements 212 disposed between the receivers 200 and202. In an embodiment, each of the tolerance absorption elements 212 maybe disposed diametrically opposite one of the sliding bars 204.

The tolerance absorption elements 212 can absorb a tolerance between thereceivers 200 and 202. The tolerance absorption elements 212 may includea bent strip having a geometric tolerance capacity. The toleranceabsorption elements 212 may provide a spring force between the receivers200 and 202, urging the receivers 200 and 202 apart.

In an embodiment, the tolerance absorption element 212 can provideminimal vertical support to the rail 102. Instead, the toleranceabsorption element 212 may permit a zero clearance fit between thereceivers 200 and 202.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, it may bepossible to obtain a relatively uniform sliding force in the rails overa range of misalignments and tolerance variations in the receiver designand orientation.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of thoseaspects and embodiments are described below. After reading thisspecification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects andembodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of thepresent invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or moreof the embodiments as listed below.

Embodiment 1. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a distance and        extending parallel with respect to one another, wherein at least        one of the first and second rails comprises:        -   a first receiver;        -   a second receiver, the first and second receivers            longitudinally translatable with respect to each other; and        -   a sliding member disposed therebetween, wherein the sliding            member comprises a low friction material and has an aperture            extending at least partially therethrough.

Embodiment 2. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a distance and        extending parallel with respect to one another, wherein at least        one of the first and second rails comprises:        -   a first receiver;        -   a second receiver, the first and second receivers            longitudinally translatable with respect to each other; and        -   a sliding member disposed therebetween,        -   wherein a maximum force to affect longitudinal translation            of the first and second receivers with respect to each other            has a standard deviation of no greater than 30 N, no greater            than 25 N, no greater than 20 N, no greater than 15 N, no            greater than 10 N, no greater than 9 N, no greater than 8 N,            no greater than 7 N, no greater than 6 N, no greater than 5            N, or even no greater than 4 N, at a misalignment            specification of 0.6 mm.

Embodiment 3. A sliding member for a seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a body including:        -   a low friction material; and        -   an aperture extending along at least a portion of the body.

Embodiment 4. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 2, whereinthe sliding member comprises a low friction material.

Embodiment 5. The seat track assembly or sliding member according to anyone of embodiments 1, 3 and 4, wherein the low friction materialincludes a polymer.

Embodiment 6. The seat track assembly or sliding member according to anyone of embodiments 1 and 3-5, wherein the low friction material includesa fluoropolymer.

Embodiment 7. The seat track assembly or sliding member according to anyone of embodiments 1 and 3-6, wherein the low friction material includesa PTFE.

Embodiment 8. The seat track assembly or sliding member according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sliding member furthercomprises a substrate.

Embodiment 9. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 8, wherein the substrate is disposed radially inside of atleast a portion of the low friction material.

Embodiment 10. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 8 and 9, wherein the substrate is disposedradially inside of the entire low friction material.

Embodiment 11. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 8-10, wherein the substrate at least partiallycomprises a metal.

Embodiment 12. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the substrate at leastpartially comprises a polymer.

Embodiment 13. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sliding member isadapted to operate without an external lubricant.

Embodiment 14. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sliding member isgreaseless such that it is adapted to operate without an externalgrease.

Embodiment 15. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sliding member has alength, a width, and a height, and wherein the length is different fromthe width and the height.

Embodiment 16. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 15, wherein the length is greater than the width, and whereinthe length is greater than the height.

Embodiment 17. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the seat track assembly isadapted to longitudinally translate upon application of a longitudinallyoriented force of no greater than 100 N, no greater than 75 N, nogreater than 60 N, no greater than 45 N, no greater than 40 N, nogreater than 35 N, no greater than 30 N, no greater than 29 N, nogreater than 28 N, no greater than 27 N, no greater than 26 N, nogreater than 25 N, no greater than 24 N, no greater than 23 N, nogreater than 22 N, no greater than 21 N, no greater than 20 N, nogreater than 19 N, no greater than 18 N, no greater than 17 N, nogreater than 16 N, or even no greater than 15 N.

Embodiment 18. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the seat track assembly isadapted to longitudinally translate upon application of a longitudinallyoriented force of at least 0.1 N, such as at least 1 N, or even at least5 N.

Embodiment 19. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-18, wherein a maximum force to affectlongitudinal translation of the first and second receivers with respectto each other has a standard deviation of no greater than 10 N, such asno greater than 9 N, no greater than 8 N, no greater than 7 N, nogreater than 6 N, no greater than 5 N, or even no greater than 4 N, asmeasured over a misalignment between the first and second receivers of0.6 mm or less.

Embodiment 20. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the maximum force toaffect longitudinal translation of the first and second receivers withrespect to each other has a standard deviation of at least 0.01 N, suchas at least 0.1 N, or even at least 1 N, as measured over a misalignmentbetween the first and second receivers of 0.6 mm or less.

Embodiment 21. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 2 and 4-20, wherein the sliding member furthercomprises an aperture extending at least partially therethrough.

Embodiment 22. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-21, wherein the sliding member has alength, L, and wherein the aperture extends at least 0.05 L, such as atleast 0.1 L, at least 0.2 L, at least 0.3 L, at least 0.4 L, at least0.5 L, at least 0.6 L, at least 0.7 L, at least 0.8 L, or even at least0.9 L.

Embodiment 23. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-22, wherein the aperture extends throughthe entire length of the sliding member.

Embodiment 24. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-23, wherein the aperture defines a width,wherein the sliding member defines a width, and wherein the width of thesliding member is greater than the width of the aperture.

Embodiment 25. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-24, wherein the sliding member defines awidth that is at least 101% a width of the aperture, such as at least102%, at least 103%, at least 104%, at least 105%, at least 110%, atlest 115%, at least 120%, at least 125%, at least 130%, at least 135%,at least 140%, at least 150%, at least 160%, at least 170%, at least180%, at least 190%, or even at least 200%.

Embodiment 26. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-25, wherein the sliding member defines awidth that is no greater than 1000% a width of the aperture, such as nogreater than 900%, no greater than 800%, no greater than 700%, nogreater than 600%, no greater than 500%, no greater than 400%, nogreater than 300%, or even no greater than 225%.

Embodiment 27. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sliding member has anaverage wall thickness of at least 0.1 mm, such as at least 0.2 mm, atleast 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, or even at least 0.5 mm.

Embodiment 28. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sliding member has anaverage wall thickness of no greater than 10 mm, such as no greater than5 mm, or even no greater than 1 mm.

Embodiment 29. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-28, wherein the aperture has a diameterof at least 0.1 mm, such as at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least0.4 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, atleast 4 mm, or even at least 5 mm.

Embodiment 30. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-29, wherein the aperture has a diameterof no greater than 15 mm, such as no greater than 10 mm.

Embodiment 31. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-30, wherein the aperture has an at leastpartially ellipsoidal cross section.

Embodiment 32. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-31, wherein the aperture has an at leastpartially circular or ovular shape.

Embodiment 33. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-32, wherein the aperture has an at leastpartially polygonal cross section.

Embodiment 34. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-33, wherein the aperture defines s shapeselected from: a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, aheptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, a hendecagon, or adodecagon.

Embodiment 35. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-34, wherein the aperture comprises aplurality of apertures.

Embodiment 36. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 35, wherein at least two apertures of the plurality ofapertures extend in parallel with respect to each other.

Embodiment 37. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35 and 36, wherein at least two apertures of theplurality of apertures extend in a non-parallel orientation with respectto each other.

Embodiment 38. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-37, wherein at least two apertures have a samediameter with respect to each other.

Embodiment 39. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-38, wherein at least two apertures have adifferent diameter with respect to each other.

Embodiment 40. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-39, wherein at least one of the apertures hasan ellipsoidal cross section.

Embodiment 41. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-40, wherein at least one of the apertures havea polygonal cross section.

Embodiment 42. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-41, wherein the aperture defines a shapeselected from: a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, aheptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, a hendecagon, or adodecagon.

Embodiment 43. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-42, wherein at least two apertures have a samelength with respect to each other.

Embodiment 44. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-43, wherein at least two apertures have adifferent length with respect to each other.

Embodiment 45. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-44, wherein the apertures are equally spacedapart along the cross-sectional area of the sliding member.

Embodiment 46. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-44, wherein the apertures are not equidistancealong the cross-sectional area of the sliding member.

Embodiment 47. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-46, wherein at least two apertures arereflectively symmetrical about a plane.

Embodiment 48. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-47, wherein at least two apertures arerotationally symmetrical about a point.

Embodiment 49. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-48, wherein at least one aperture is open.

Embodiment 50. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-49, wherein at least one aperture is at leastpartially filled.

Embodiment 51. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-50, wherein at least one aperture is at leastpartially filled with a polymer.

Embodiment 52. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 35-51, wherein at least one aperture is at leastpartially filled with a metal or an alloy.

Embodiment 53. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-52, wherein the aperture has a closedperiphery.

Embodiment 54. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-52, wherein the aperture has an openperiphery such that a gap exists at a location along a circumference ofthe aperture.

Embodiment 55. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-54, wherein the aperture is open.

Embodiment 56. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-55, wherein the aperture is at leastpartially filled.

Embodiment 57. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-56, wherein the aperture is at leastpartially filled with a polymer.

Embodiment 58. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-57, wherein the aperture is at leastpartially filled with a metal or an alloy.

Embodiment 59. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-58, wherein at least 10% of the apertureis filled, such as at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, or even at least 75%.

Embodiment 60. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-59, wherein no greater than 100% of theaperture is filled, such as less than 99%, less than 98%, less than 97%,less than 96%, less than 95%, less than 90%, less than 85%, or even lessthan 80%.

Embodiment 61. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 1 and 3-60, wherein, prior to installation in theseat track assembly, the sliding member further comprises a voiddisposed between at least a portion of the low friction material and asubstrate disposed therein.

Embodiment 62. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 61, wherein the void is reduced in size after installation inthe seat track assembly.

Embodiment 63. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 62, wherein the void is reduced by at least 10%, such as byat least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, atleast 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or even 100%.

Embodiment 64. A sliding member for a seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a sidewall having a length and defining an aperture extending        along at least a portion of the length.

Embodiment 65. A preassembly for a seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a support feature having an opening; and    -   a sliding member disposed in the opening, the sliding member        comprising a sidewall having a length and defining an aperture        extending along at least a portion of the length.

Embodiment 66. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first receiver;    -   a second receiver, the first and second receivers being        longitudinally translatable with respect to each other; and    -   a sliding member disposed between the first and second        receivers, the sliding member comprising a sidewall having a        length and defining an aperture extending along at least a        portion of the length.

Embodiment 67. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-66, wherein the aperture extendsalong the entire length of the sidewall.

Embodiment 68. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-67, wherein the sliding memberhas a barrel shape.

Embodiment 69. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-68, wherein the sliding membercomprises a first and a second opposite terminal ends and a middleportion disposed therebetween, and wherein a diameter of the middleportion is greater than a diameter of at least one of the first andsecond opposite terminal ends.

Embodiment 70. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 69, wherein the diameter of the middle portionis at least 101% the diameter of the end portion, such as at least 102%,at least 103%, at least 104%, at least 105%, at least 110%, at least115%, at least 120%, at least 125%, at least 130%, at least 135%, atleast 140%, at least 145%, or even at least 150%.

Embodiment 71. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 69 and 70, wherein the diameter ofthe middle portion is no greater than 250% the diameter of the endportion, such as no greater than 200%, or even no greater than 175%.

Embodiment 72. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-71, further comprising a gapextending along the sidewall between first and second opposite terminalends thereof.

Embodiment 73. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 72, wherein the gap extends entirely between thefirst and second opposite terminal ends.

Embodiment 74. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-73, wherein the sidewall tapersalong at least one axial end thereof.

Embodiment 75. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-74, wherein the sidewall has aguide portion along at least one terminal end thereof.

Embodiment 76. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-75, wherein the sidewall ismonolithic.

Embodiment 77. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-76, wherein the sidewall has awall thickness of at least 0.05 mm, such as at least 0.1 mm, at least0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, or even at least 0, 5 mm.

Embodiment 78. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-77, wherein the sidewall has awall thickness of no greater than 10 mm, such as no greater than 9 mm,no greater than 8 mm, no greater than 7 mm, no greater than 6 mm, oreven no greater than 5 mm.

Embodiment 79. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-78, further comprising asubstrate disposed within the aperture of the sidewall.

Embodiment 80. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 79, wherein the substrate fills an entire volumeof the aperture.

Embodiment 81. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 79, wherein a void is disposed between thesubstrate and the sidewall, as seen prior to installation in the seattrack assembly.

Embodiment 82. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 81, wherein the void is centrally disposed alonga length of the sidewall.

Embodiment 83. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 81, wherein the void is disposed a distance froma central point of the sidewall.

Embodiment 84. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 81-83, wherein the void is reducedin size upon installation of the sliding member in the seat trackassembly.

Embodiment 85. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-84, wherein the substratecomprises a resilient material.

Embodiment 86. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-85, wherein the substratecomprises a rigid material.

Embodiment 87. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-86, wherein the substrate atleast partially comprises a metal or a metal alloy.

Embodiment 88. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-87, wherein the substrate atleast partially comprises a polymer.

Embodiment 89. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-88, wherein the substrate ismonolithic.

Embodiment 90. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-89, wherein the substrate has anhour glass shape, when viewed from a side view.

Embodiment 91. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 79-90, wherein the substrate has anaverage thickness that is greater than a wall thickness of the sidewall.

Embodiment 92. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-91, wherein the sliding componentdefines a maximum diameter, D_(MAX), as measured prior to assembly and alength, L, and wherein L is at least 1.5 D_(MAX), such as at least 1.75D_(MAX), at least 2.0 D_(MAX), at least 2.25 D_(MAX), at least 2.5D_(MAX), at least 2.75 D_(MAX), at least 3.0 D_(MAX), at least 3.25D_(MAX), at least 3.5 D_(MAX), at least 3.75 D_(MAX), or even at least4.0 D_(MAX).

Embodiment 93. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-92, wherein the sidewall has amaximum diameter, D_(MAX), as measured prior to installation, whereinthe sidewall has a minimum functional diameter, D_(MIN), as measuredafter installation, and wherein D_(MAX)/D_(MIN) is at least 1.001, suchas at least 1.01, at least 1.02, at least 1.03, at least 1.04, at least1.05, or even at least 1.06.

Embodiment 94. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-93, wherein the sidewall has amaximum diameter, D_(MAX), as measured prior to installation, whereinthe sidewall has a minimum functional diameter, D_(MIN), as measuredafter installation, and wherein D_(MAX)/D_(MIN) is no greater than 1.5,such as no greater than 1.4, no greater than 1.3, no greater than 1.2,or even no greater than 1.1.

Embodiment 95. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-94, wherein the sliding componentis adapted to deflect up to 0.33 mm, as measured in a directionperpendicular to the length of the sidewall.

Embodiment 96. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to any one of embodiments 64-95, wherein the sidewallcomprises a low friction material.

Embodiment 97. The sliding member, preassembly, or seat track assemblyaccording to embodiment 96, wherein the sidewall comprises a polymer.

Embodiment 98. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 96 and 97, wherein the sidewall comprises afluoropolymer.

Embodiment 99. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 96-98, wherein the sidewall comprises a PTFE.

Embodiment 100. A sliding member for a seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a composite strip having a first and a second opposite major        surfaces spaced apart by a thickness, wherein the composite        strip is shaped such that a maximum thickness thereof is        measured between the first major surface at a first location and        the first major surface at a second location.

Embodiment 101. A sliding member for a seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a substrate having a first and a second opposite major surfaces        spaced apart by a thickness; and    -   a low friction material coupled to the first major surface of        the substrate,    -   wherein the first major surface lies along a first plane at a        first location, wherein the first major surface lies along a        second plane at a second location, and wherein the first and        second planes intersect.

Embodiment 102. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first receiver;    -   a second receiver, the first and second receivers being        longitudinally translatable with respect to each other; and    -   a sliding member disposed between the first and second        receivers, the sliding member comprising:        -   a substrate having a first and a second opposite major            surfaces spaced apart by a thickness; and        -   a low friction material coupled to the first major surface            of the substrate,        -   wherein the first major surface lies along a first plane at            a first location, wherein the first major surface lies along            a second plane at a second location, and wherein the first            and second planes intersect.

Embodiment 103. The sliding member according to embodiment 100, whereinthe composite strip comprises a low friction material coupled to asubstrate.

Embodiment 104. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-103, wherein the low friction materialcomprises a polymer, such as a fluoropolymer, such as a PTFE.

Embodiment 105. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-104, wherein the substrate comprises a rigidmaterial.

Embodiment 106. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-105, wherein the substrate at least partiallycomprises a metal.

Embodiment 107. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-106, wherein the substrate at least partiallycomprises an alloy.

Embodiment 108. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-107, wherein the substrate at least partiallycomprises a polymer.

Embodiment 109. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-108, wherein at least a portion of the firstmajor surface is defined by the low friction material.

Embodiment 110. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-109, wherein at least 25% of the first majorsurface is defined by the low friction material, such as at least 30% isdefined by the low friction material, at least 35% is defined by the lowfriction material, at least 40% is defined by the low friction material,at least 45% is defined by the low friction material, at least 50% isdefined by the low friction material, at least 55% is defined by the lowfriction material, at least 60% is defined by the low friction material,at least 65% is defined by the low friction material, at least 70% isdefined by the low friction material, at least 75% is defined by the lowfriction material, at least 80% is defined by the low friction material,at least 85% is defined by the low friction material, or even at least90% is defined by the low friction material.

Embodiment 111. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-110, wherein the entire first major surfaceis defined by the low friction material.

Embodiment 112. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-111, wherein at least a portion of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate.

Embodiment 113. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-112, wherein at least 25% of the second majorsurface is defined by the substrate, such as at least 30% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 35% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 40% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 45% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 50% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 55% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 60% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 65% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 70% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 75% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 80% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, at least 85% of the secondmajor surface is defined by the substrate, or even at least 90% of thesecond major surface is defined by the substrate.

Embodiment 114. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-113, wherein the entire second major surfacesis defined by the substrate.

Embodiment 115. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-114, wherein the sliding member defines afirst ellipsoidal portion, the first ellipsoidal portion defining anaperture.

Embodiment 116. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toembodiment 115, wherein the aperture has a closed periphery.

Embodiment 117. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toembodiment 115, wherein the aperture includes a gap such that theaperture has an open periphery.

Embodiment 118. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 115-117, wherein the aperture defines a generallyellipsoidal portion prior to insertion of the sliding member between thereceivers.

Embodiment 119. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 115-118, wherein the aperture defines a generallypolygonal portion prior to installation of the sliding member betweenthe receivers.

Embodiment 120. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 115-119, wherein the aperture has a first shapeprior to installation and a second shape after installation, and whereinthe first shape is different from the second shape.

Embodiment 121. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 115-120, wherein the first ellipsoidal portion isplastically deformed upon installation.

Embodiment 122. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 115-120, further comprising a second ellipsoidalportion, the second ellipsoidal portion defining an aperture.

Embodiment 123. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toembodiment 122, wherein the second ellipsoidal portion is spaced apartfrom the first ellipsoidal portion.

Embodiment 124. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122 and 123, wherein the first and secondellipsoidal portions are disposed on opposite sides of the slidingmember.

Embodiment 125. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-124, wherein the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion has a closed periphery.

Embodiment 126. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-124, wherein the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion defines a gap such that the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion has an open periphery.

Embodiment 127. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-126, wherein the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion defines a generally polygonal portion prior toinstallation of the sliding member between the receivers.

Embodiment 128. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-127, wherein the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion defines a generally polygonal portion prior toinstallation of the sliding member between the receivers.

Embodiment 129. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-128, wherein the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion has a first shape prior to installation and a secondshape after installation, and wherein the first shape is different fromthe second shape.

Embodiment 130. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-129, wherein the aperture of the firstellipsoidal portion has a different shape as compared to the aperture ofthe second ellipsoidal portion.

Embodiment 131. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 122-130, wherein the aperture of the firstellipsoidal portion has a different size than the aperture of the secondellipsoidal portion.

Embodiment 132. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-131, wherein the substrate is adhered to thelow friction material.

Embodiment 133. The sliding member or seat track assembly according toany one of embodiments 101-132, further comprising an intermediary layerdisposed between the substrate and the low friction material.

Embodiment 134. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first receiver defining an opening extending along a length        thereof;    -   a second receiver disposed within the opening, the first and        second receivers longitudinally translatable with respect to one        another; and    -   a plurality of sliding bars disposed between the first and        second receivers, each of the sliding bars secured to the first        receiver and including a low friction material.

Embodiment 135. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 134,further comprising a support component disposed between the firstreceiver and at least one of the sliding bars.

Embodiment 136. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 135,wherein the support component is secured to the first receiver.

Embodiment 137. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 135 and 136, wherein the support component is secured to atleast one of the sliding bars.

Embodiment 138. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 135-137, wherein the support component is engaged to thesliding bar along a complementary engagement interface.

Embodiment 139. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 138,wherein the complementary engagement interface comprises at tongue andgroove interface.

Embodiment 140. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-139, wherein the sliding bars comprise a low frictionmaterial, such a fluoropolymer, such as a PTFE.

Embodiment 141. The seat track assembly according to any one of thepreceding embodiments, wherein the sliding bars further comprise asubstrate.

Embodiment 142. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 141,wherein the substrate is disposed within the sliding bar such that thesubstrate is not exposed along a contact interface formed between thefirst receiver and the sliding bar.

Embodiment 143. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 141 and 142, wherein the substrate comprises a rigidmaterial, such as a metal, an alloy, or a polymer.

Embodiment 144. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-143, wherein the second receiver has a generallyellipsoidal cross section.

Embodiment 145. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-144, wherein the second receiver has a generallycircular cross section.

Embodiment 146. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-145, wherein the first receiver has a generallypolygonal cross section.

Embodiment 147. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 133-145, wherein the first receiver has a generallyrectangular cross section.

Embodiment 148. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-147, wherein the plurality of sliding bars comprises atleast 2 sliding bars, such as at least 3 sliding bars, at least 4sliding bars, at least 5 sliding bars, at least 6 sliding bars, at least7 sliding bars, at least 8 sliding bars, at least 9 sliding bars, oreven at least 10 sliding bars.

Embodiment 149. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-148, wherein the plurality of sliding bars comprises nogreater than 100 sliding bars, such as no greater than 50 sliding bars,or even no greater than 25 sliding bars.

Embodiment 150. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-149, wherein a contact interface formed between at leastone of the sliding bars and the second receiver is a line contact.

Embodiment 151. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-150, wherein a contact interface formed between at leastone of the sliding bars and the second receiver is an area contact.

Embodiment 152. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-151, wherein the seat track assembly comprises an upperhalf and a lower half, and wherein all of the sliding bars are disposedin one of the upper and lower halves.

Embodiment 153. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 152,wherein all of the sliding bars are disposed in the lower half of theseat track assembly.

Embodiment 154. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-153, further comprising a plurality of toleranceabsorption elements.

Embodiment 155. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 154,wherein at least one of the tolerance absorption elements is attached tothe first receiver.

Embodiment 156. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 154 and 155, wherein at least one of the toleranceabsorption elements is attached to the second receiver.

Embodiment 157. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 154-156, wherein the seat track assembly comprises an upperhalf and a lower half, and wherein all of the tolerance absorptionelements are disposed in one of the upper and lower halves.

Embodiment 158. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 157,wherein all of the tolerance absorption elements are disposed in theupper half of the seat track assembly.

Embodiment 159. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-158, wherein the second receiver further comprises anextension extending from the second receiver along at least a portion ofa length thereof.

Embodiment 160. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 159,wherein the extension extends along the entire length of the secondreceiver.

Embodiment 161. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 159 and 160, wherein the extension of the second receiverextends through a slot of the first receiver, the slot of the firstreceiver extending along the first receiver along at least a portion ofa length thereof.

Embodiment 162. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 159-161, wherein the slot extends along the entire length ofthe first receiver.

Embodiment 163. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 159-162, wherein the extension extends past an outer surfaceof the first receiver.

Embodiment 164. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 159-163, wherein the extension is attachable to a seat.

Embodiment 165. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 159-164, wherein the first receiver is attachable to a floorof a vehicle.

Embodiment 166. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 134-165, wherein the second receiver further comprises a lowfriction sliding surface disposed along the second receiver along atleast a portion of a contact interface formed between the secondreceiver and the sliding bars.

Embodiment 167. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 166,wherein the low friction material of the second receiver comprises apolymer, such as a fluoropolymer, such as a PTFE.

Embodiment 168. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a distance and        extending parallel with respect to one another, wherein at least        one of the first and second rails comprises:        -   a first receiver;        -   a second receiver, the first and second receivers            longitudinally translatable with respect to each other; and        -   a sliding member disposed therebetween, wherein the sliding            member comprises:            -   a support member having openings defining a top row and                a bottom row;            -   a plurality of slide pins disposed in the top and bottom                rows; and            -   a structure disposed in the top row.

Embodiment 169. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 168,wherein the structure comprises a low friction material and has anaperture extending at least partially therethrough.

Embodiment 170. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 169,wherein the top row includes at least two slide pins.

Embodiment 171. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 170,wherein the structure is disposed between the slide pins.

Embodiment 172. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-171, wherein the bottom row of the support memberincludes two slide pins.

Embodiment 173. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-172, wherein the bottom row of the support member isdevoid of structures.

Embodiment 174. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-173, wherein a diameter of the structure is greater thana diameter of at least one of the slide pins.

Embodiment 175. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-174, wherein a diameter of the structure is greater thana diameter of all of the slide pins.

Embodiment 176. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 174 and 175, wherein the diameter of the structure is atleast 1.01 the diameter of the slide pin(s), such as at least 1.02 thediameter, at least 1.03 the diameter, at least 1.04 the diameter, atleast 1.05 the diameter, at least 1.1 the diameter, or even at least1.15 the diameter.

Embodiment 177. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 169-176, further comprising a material disposed in theaperture of the structure.

Embodiment 178. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 177,wherein the material comprises a spring.

Embodiment 179. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 178,wherein the spring provides a spring rate of at least 10 N/mm, such asat least 50 N/mm, at least 100 N/mm, at least 150 N/mm, at least 200N/mm, at least 250 N/mm, at least 300 N/mm, at least 350 N/mm, or evenat least 400 N/mm.

Embodiment 180. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 178 and 179, wherein the spring provides a spring rate of nogreater than 600 N/mm, such as no greater than 550 N/mm, no greater than500 N/mm, or even no greater than 450 N/mm.

Embodiment 181. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 178-180, wherein the spring comprises a spring sheet ofmaterial having a generally cylindrical body.

Embodiment 182. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 181,wherein the generally cylindrical body includes a gap extending along atleast partially along the axial length of the generally cylindricalbody.

Embodiment 183. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 181 and 182, wherein the spring sheet has a thickness of atleast 0.2 mm, such as at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, or even at least0.5 mm.

Embodiment 184. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-183, wherein the structure has a length, wherein theslide pins each have a length, and wherein the length of the structureis greater than the length of the slide pins.

Embodiment 185. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-184, wherein the slide pins each have a radialstiffness, wherein the structure has a radial stiffness, and wherein theradial stiffness of the structure is less than the radial stiffness ofthe slide pins.

Embodiment 186. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-185, wherein the slide pins comprise a substrate, andwherein the substrate comprises a metal.

Embodiment 187. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-186, wherein the support member comprises a metal.

Embodiment 188. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-187, wherein the slide pins are rotatable within thesupport member.

Embodiment 189. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-188, wherein the structure is rotatable within thesupport member.

Embodiment 190. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-189, wherein the structure has a constant shape asmeasured along the length thereof.

Embodiment 191. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-190, wherein the first and second rails are adapted tocoupled with a vehicle seat.

Embodiment 192. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-191, wherein the support member does not contact eitherof the first and second receivers.

Embodiment 193. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-192, wherein the plurality of slide pins disposed in thetop row comprises at least 2 slide pins, such as at least 3 slide pins,at least 4 slide pins, or even at least 5 slide pins.

Embodiment 194. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-193, wherein the plurality of slide pins disposed in thetop row comprises no greater than 100 slide pins, such as no greaterthan 50 slide pins, no greater than 25 slide pins, or even no greaterthan 10 slide pins.

Embodiment 195. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-194, wherein at least one of the slide pins at leastpartially comprises a Meldin®.

Embodiment 196. The seat track assembly according to any one ofembodiments 168-195, wherein the structure has a tapered axial end.

Embodiment 197. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 196,wherein the tapered axial end is adapted to guide the structure into thespace between the first and second receivers.

Embodiment 198. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a distance and        extending parallel with respect to one another, wherein at least        one of the first and second rails comprises:        -   a first receiver;        -   a second receiver, the first and second receivers            longitudinally translatable with respect to each other; and        -   a sliding member disposed therebetween, wherein the sliding            member comprises:            -   a support member having openings defining a top row and                a bottom row;            -   a plurality of slide pins disposed in the top row;            -   a structure disposed in the top row between at least two                of the slide pins, wherein a diameter of at least one of                the slide pins in the top row is less than a diameter of                the structure; and            -   a plurality of slide pins disposed in the bottom row.

Embodiment 199. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first receiver coupled to a seat;    -   a second receiver coupled to a surface, the first and second        receivers being longitudinally translatable with respect to each        other; and    -   a sliding member disposed between the first and second        receivers, wherein the sliding member comprises a low friction        material including an aperture extending along a longitudinal        length of the sliding member.

Embodiment 200. The seat track assembly according to embodiment 199,further comprising a spring disposed within the aperture and adapted toprovide an outwardly biasing force against the low friction material,features extending from an inner surface into the aperture, or acombination thereof.

Embodiment 201. A seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a first receiver coupled to a seat;    -   a second receiver coupled to a surface, the first and second        receivers being longitudinally translatable with respect to each        other; and    -   a sliding member disposed between the first and second        receivers, wherein the sliding member comprises a substrate        having an elongated shape and a low friction material disposed        around the substrate.

Embodiment 202. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 201, wherein a void is disposed between a portion of thesubstrate and the low friction material, wherein the void has a firstvolume, V₁, as measured prior to installation in the assembly, and asecond volume, V₂, as measured after installation, and wherein V₁ isgreater than V₂.

Embodiment 203. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 201, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the axialends of the substrate is exposed.

Embodiment 204. A sliding member for a seat track assembly comprising:

-   -   a body comprising a low friction material and an inner surface        defining an aperture,    -   wherein:        -   a spring is disposed within the aperture and adapted to            provide an outwardly biasing force against the low friction            material; or        -   features extend from the inner surface into the aperture; or        -   a combination thereof.

Embodiment 205. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199 and 204, wherein the aperture extendsparallel with a longitudinal axis of the sliding member.

Embodiment 206. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199 and 204, wherein the aperture extendsentirely through the sliding member.

Embodiment 207. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199 and 204, wherein the aperture comprises aplurality of apertures each extending through at least a portion of thebody.

Embodiment 208. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199 and 204, wherein the aperture is defined byan inner surface, and wherein features extend from the inner surfaceinto the aperture.

Embodiment 209. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199, 201, and 204, wherein a maximum force toaffect longitudinal translation of the first and second receivers withrespect to each other has a standard deviation of no greater than 10 Nat a misalignment specification of 0.6 mm.

Embodiment 210. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199, 201, and 204, further comprising:

-   -   a support member having an opening,    -   wherein the sliding member is disposed in the opening of the        support member.

Embodiment 211. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199, 201, and 204, wherein the low frictionmaterial comprises a rolled sheet of low friction material.

Embodiment 212. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toembodiment 211, wherein the rolled sheet of low friction materialcomprises a gap extending along at least a portion of an axial length ofthe sliding member.

Embodiment 213. The seat track assembly or sliding member according toany one of embodiments 199, 201, and 204, wherein the low frictionmaterial comprises a fluoropolymer.

Embodiment 214. A sliding member comprising:

-   -   an elongated tube comprising a body including a low friction        material, wherein the elongated tube includes an inner surface        defining an aperture,    -   wherein:        -   a spring is disposed within the aperture and adapted to            provide an outwardly biasing force against the low friction            material; or        -   wherein the aperture comprises a plurality of apertures each            extending at least partially through the elongated tube; or        -   a combination thereof.

Embodiment 215. A linear motion assembly comprising:

-   -   a first member;    -   a second member; and    -   a sliding member disposed between the first and second members,    -   wherein at least one of the first and second members is adapted        to longitudinally translate with respect to the sliding member,        wherein the sliding member comprises an elongated tube        comprising a body including low friction material, and wherein        the elongated tube defines an aperture extending along a        longitudinal length thereof.

Embodiment 216. A method of forming a sliding member comprising:

-   -   forming an elongated tube comprising a body having a low        friction outer surface and an aperture extending at least        partially through an axial length of the elongated tube; and    -   installing a spring within the aperture.

Embodiment 217. The method according to any one of embodiments 214 and216, wherein the spring is not fixedly attached to the elongated tube.

Embodiment 218. The sliding member or method according to any one ofembodiments 214-217, wherein the aperture extends along the entirelength of the elongated tube.

Embodiment 219. The sliding member, assembly, or method according to anyone of embodiments 214 and 216, wherein the aperture comprises aplurality of apertures each extending at least partially into theelongated tube.

Embodiment 220. The sliding member, assembly, or method according toembodiment 219, wherein all of the plurality of apertures have a sameshape as one another.

Embodiment 221. The sliding member, assembly, or method according to anyone of embodiments 214-216, wherein a portion of the body separates theapertures from one another.

Embodiment 222. A sliding member comprising:

-   -   a substrate having an elongated shape; and    -   a low friction material disposed around the substrate,    -   wherein:        -   at least one of the axial ends of the substrate is exposed            from the low friction material; or        -   the low friction material comprises a gap extending along at            least a portion of an axial length of the sliding member; or        -   a void is disposed between a portion of the substrate and            the low friction material; or        -   a combination thereof.

Embodiment 223. The sliding member according to embodiment 222, whereinthe void has a first volume, V₁, as measured prior to installation in anassembly, and a second volume, V₂, as measured after installation, andwherein V₁ is greater than V₂.

Embodiment 224. A linear motion system comprising:

-   -   a first member;    -   a second member; and    -   the sliding member according to any one of embodiments 222 and        223.

Embodiment 225. A method of forming a sliding member comprising:

-   -   providing a substrate having an elongated shape;    -   providing a sheet comprising a low friction material;    -   cutting the sheet to form a low friction blank; and    -   shaping the low friction blank around the substrate.

Embodiment 226. The method according to embodiment 225, furthercomprising:

-   -   affixing circumferentially adjacent sides of the low friction        blank together.

Embodiment 227. The sliding member, assembly, or method according to anyone of embodiments 222, 223, and 225, wherein the sliding member has abarrel shaped outer surface prior to installation between longitudinallytranslatable components.

Embodiment 228. The sliding member, assembly, or method according to anyone of embodiments 222, 223, and 225, wherein the low friction materialis not fixedly attached to the substrate.

EXAMPLES

A test was performed to determine relative sliding forces over a givenrange of misalignment. A track assembly 300 (FIG. 16) is provided havingan inner receiver 302, an outer receiver 304, and a sliding layer 306disposed therebetween. The sliding layer 306 is disposed below the innerreceiver 302 and above the outer receiver 304. The inner receiver 302has an inverted T-shape formed from steel. The outer receiver 304 has aU-shape with upper flanges extending over the lower portion of the innerreceiver 302. The outer receiver 304 is also formed from steel. A gap308 is formed between the inner and outer receivers 302 and 304.

Two sliding members 310 are inserted into the gap 308 on opposite sidesof the inner receiver 302. The sliding members 310 are longitudinallytranslated into the gap 308 from a terminal axial end of the trackassembly 300 and urged continuously until fully positioned between theterminal axial ends of the seat track assembly 300. The sliding member310 is inserted into the gap 308 in a state of compression, i.e., aninitial, undeformed diameter of the sliding member 310 is greater than adiameter of the installed sliding member 310. Pre-compressing thesliding member 310 permits zero clearance testing.

The receivers 302 and 304 are longitudinally translated with respect toone another while the force required to translate the receivers 302 and304 is measured and recorded. To minimize bending and the occurrence ofundesirable transverse forces, the receivers 302 and 304 are measuredonly from a half-forward to a half-backward position. In thehalf-forward position, the receiver 302 is pulled such that a first halfof the receiver 302 is disposed within the receiver 304 and a secondhalf of the receiver 302 is disposed outside of the receiver 304. Thereceiver 302 is then translated to a half-backward position where thesecond half of the receiver 302 is disposed within the receiver 304 andthe first half of the receiver 302 is disposed outside of the receiver304. In this regard, the receivers 302 and 304 translate with respect toeach other along a full length of the receiver 302.

The gap 308 in the track assembly 300 has a size, e.g., 6.5 mm. Uponinsertion into the gap 308 of the track assembly 300, the sliding member310 compresses so as to have an outer diameter approximately equal tothe size of the gap 308, e.g., 6.5 mm. Testing is performed at that gapsize. The gap is then decreased by an incremental distance, e.g., 0.1mm, and testing is performed at the new gap distance. This process isrepeated until a desired misalignment specification is achieved. The“misalignment specification” describes the change in misalignment. Forexample, testing track assemblies having a gap distance in a range of5.9 mm and 6.5 mm results in a misalignment specification of 0.6 mm.

Sample 1 includes two sliding members 310 shaped as illustrated in FIG.3D, each formed from PTFE and having an initial, undeformed outerdiameter of 6.7 mm. An aperture extends uniformly through the entirelength of each of the sliding members 310 along a central position andhas an aperture diameter of 5.9 mm. The wall thickness of the slidingmembers 310 is 0.4 mm.

Sample 2 is nearly identical to sample 1, except the apertures arefilled with a silicon.

Sample 3 includes two sliding member 310 shaped as illustrated in FIG.3D, each formed from PTFE and having an initial, undeformed outerdiameter of 6.7 mm. An aperture extends uniformly through the entirelength of each of the sliding members 310 along a central position andhas an aperture diameter of 5.7 mm. The wall thickness of the slidingmembers 310 is 0.5 mm.

Sample 4 is nearly identical to sample 3, except the apertures arefilled with a silicon.

The Samples are first inserted into a track assembly having a gap of 6.5mm. The track assembly 300 is translated to the half-forward position,with the required force to complete the translation measured andrecorded. The track assembly 300 is then translated to the half-backwardposition, with the required force to complete the translation measuredand recorded. The sliding members 310 are removed from the gap 308 andthe track assembly 300 is adjusted such that the gap 308 is 6.4 mm.Again, the sliding members 310 are positioned within the gap 308 (thistime compressing to 6.4 mm) and the force to translate the trackassembly 300 to the half-forward and the half-backward positions ismeasured and recorded. This process is repeated over a range of gapsizes (6.3 mm, 6.2 mm, 6.1 mm, 6.0 mm and 5.9 mm).

Table 1 illustrates the force necessary to translate the track assemblyto the half-forward position. Table 2 illustrates the force to translatethe track assembly to the half-backward position.

TABLE 1 Force to translate to half-forward position Gap size Sample 1Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 (mm) (N) (N) (N) (N) 6.5 9.0 11.3 14.3 12.06.4 4.0 12.3 14.3 17.3 6.3 4.0 14.0 15.3 19.0 6.2 5.0 16.7 18.3 19.7 6.16.0 18.7 19.7 21.0 6.0 8.0 17.7 18.7 22.0 5.9 10.0 19.3 21.3 24.3Standard 2.44 3.18 2.79 3.64 Deviation

TABLE 2 Force to translate to half-backward position Gap size Sample 1Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 (mm) (N) (N) (N) (N) 6.5 9.0 12.0 14.0 12.06.4 4.0 12.7 15.3 17.3 6.3 4.0 14.3 15.7 18.3 6.2 5.0 17.0 18.0 19.0 6.16.0 20.3 19.0 21.0 6.0 8.0 18.3 19.7 23.3 5.9 10.0 21.0 20.3 24.7Standard 2.44 3.60 2.43 4.21 Deviation

The average force necessary to translate the seat track assembly in theforward and backward directions is 14.86 N. As illustrated in Tables 1and 2, the standard deviation is greatest for Sample 4 (4.21 N standarddeviation) at a 0.6 mm misalignment specification. The average standarddeviation of the necessary force to translate the seat track assemblyusing the four samples in both half-forward and half-backwardtranslations is 3.09 N. Accordingly, rails using sliding members inaccordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein canachieve a sliding force standard deviation of less than 10 N, such asless than 9 N, less than 8 N, less than 7 N, less than 6 N, less than 5N, less than 4 N, less than 3 N, or even less than 2.75 N at a seattrack misalignment specification of 0.6 mm.

Table 3 illustrates the standard deviation of the Samples at amisalignment specification of 0.5 mm utilizing the data recorded inTables 1 and 2.

TABLE 3 Standard deviation at a misalignment specification of 0.5 mmSample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 (N) (N) (N) (N) Forward 2.40 2.762.66 2.45 Backward 2.40 3.28 2.09 2.93 Average 2.40 3.02 2.38 2.69

As illustrated in Table 3, the average standard deviation for theSamples at a 0.5 mm misalignment specification is 2.62 N. Accordingly,rails using sliding members in accordance with one or more of theembodiments described herein can achieve a sliding force standarddeviation of less than 10 N, such as less than 9 N, less than 8 N, lessthan 7 N, less than 6 N, less than 5 N, less than 4 N, less than 3 N, oreven less than 2.75 N at a seat track misalignment specification of 0.5mm.

A further test was conducted to determine the break-in period, or thenumber of cycles necessary post-assembly after which the sliding forcesof the rails remains relatively constant. To test the break-in period,various sliding member configurations are positioned within a seat trackassembly and the receivers of the seat track assembly are translatedbetween forward (F) and backward (B) positions with respect to oneanother. One of the receivers is held in place and the other receiver istranslated with respect thereto. The force necessary to translate thereceivers apart in a first direction is measured and recorded. The forcenecessary to translate the receivers apart in a second, opposite,direction is measured and recorded. Completion of one cycle occurs uponreturn to the initial position of the receivers with respect to oneanother. Repeated cycling is performed, e.g., 105 cycles are performedfor each of the various sliding member configurations.

Sample 1 is a track assembly including a traditional ball bearingassembly having slightly oversized steel ball bearings and utilizing alubricant to facilitate reduced frictional resistance.

Sample 2 is a track assembly including a structure in accordance with anembodiment described herein.

Sample 3 is a track assembly including a slide pin in accordance with anembodiment described herein.

Sample 4 is a track assembly including a strip having ellipsoidal endportions in accordance with an embodiment described herein.

Sample 5 includes an outer receiver, an inner receiver inscribed withinthe outer receiver, and sliding bars disposed therebetween.

TABLE 4 Break-in Period Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5Cycle (N) (N) (N) (N) (N) Number F B F B F B F B F B 1 56 51 42 40 33 2820 20 66 66 2 49 48 39 43 31 30 21 21 62 66 3 74 76 42 44 34 34 22 22 6770 4 69 52 43 39 36 37 22 22 73 67 5 70 48 41 44 33 34 23 23 72 67 10137 26 40 42 26 26 27 28 67 60 102 35 31 45 41 26 25 29 29 71 66 103 3032 42 43 24 24 28 29 70 68 104 48 24 41 43 38 27 26 28 70 69 105 43 2845 45 27 25 29 31 68 69 Avg. Force 59 42 33 22 68 (Cycles 1-5) Avg.Force 33 43 27 28 68 (Cycles 101-105) Δ Force 26 1 6 7 0 (Cycles 1-5 toCycles 101-105)

As illustrated in Table 4, Sample 1 exhibits a 44% change in forcebetween cycles 1 to 5 and cycles 101 to 105. By comparison, Sample 2exhibits a 2.3% change in force, Sample 3 exhibits a 18.2% change inforce, Sample 4 exhibits a 21.4% change in force, and Sample 5 exhibitsa 0% change in force, all as measured over the same number of cycles.Thus, Samples 2, 3, 4 and 5 all have reduced break in periods ascompared to traditional assemblies utilizing oversized ball bearings.

It is noted that during testing, Sample 1 exhibited outer coating peel,where the outer coating of the ball bearings wore and broke off from theunderlying steel. Displaced fragments of outer coating contaminated thetrack assembly, resulting in buildup of particles. Additionally, Sample1 resulted in greater burnishing of the track assembly as compared tothe other tested Samples.

Note that not all of the features described above are required, that aportion of a specific feature may not be required, and that one or morefeatures may be provided in addition to those described. Still further,the order in which features are described is not necessarily the orderin which the features are installed.

Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombinations.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments, However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described hereinare intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of thevarious embodiments. The specification and illustrations are notintended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of allof the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use thestructures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, variousfeatures that are, for brevity, described in the context of a singleembodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and everyvalue within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent toskilled artisans only after reading this specification. Otherembodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that astructural substitution, logical substitution, or any change may be madewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, thedisclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

1. A linear motion assembly comprising: a first member; a second member;and a sliding member disposed between the first and second members,wherein at least one of the first and second members is adapted tolongitudinally translate with respect to the sliding member, wherein thesliding member comprises a slide pin.
 2. The linear motion assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the slide pin comprises an elongatedcylinder.
 3. The linear motion assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe slide pin comprises a barrel shape.
 4. The linear motion assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the slide pin maintains a constant anglerelative to a central axis, as measured from an end portion to a middleportion of the slide pin.
 5. The linear motion assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the slide pin has a varying angle relative to a centralaxis, as measured from an end portion to a middle portion of the slidepin.
 6. The linear motion assembly according to claim 1, wherein theslide pin deforms to a generally cylindrical shape when assembledbetween the first member and the second member.
 7. The linear motionassembly according to claim 1, wherein the slide pin comprises a lowfriction material.
 8. The linear motion assembly according to claim 7,wherein the low friction material comprises a polymer.
 9. The linearmotion assembly according to claim 7, wherein the slide pin comprises asubstrate.
 10. The linear motion assembly according to claim 8, whereinsubstrate comprises a rigid material.
 11. The linear motion assemblyaccording to claim 9, wherein the substrate comprises at least oneannular depression having a diameter less than a maximum diameter of thesubstrate.
 12. The linear motion assembly according to claim 11, whereinthe diameter of the annular depression is no greater than 99% and noless than 25% of the maximum diameter of the substrate.
 13. The linearmotion assembly according to claim 11, wherein the annular depression iscentrally disposed along a length of the substrate.
 14. The linearmotion assembly according to claim 11, wherein the annular depression isoffset from being centrally disposed along a length of the substrate.15. The linear motion assembly according to claim 11, wherein theannular depression extends at least 0% and no greater than 80% along alength of the substrate.
 16. The linear motion assembly according toclaim 9, wherein low friction material extends around a circumference ofthe substrate.
 17. The linear motion assembly according to claim 9,wherein low friction material is contacts the substrate along at least aportion thereof.
 18. The linear motion assembly according to claim 9,wherein low friction material is coupled to the substrate along at leasta portion thereof by an adhesive or mechanical fixture.
 19. The linearmotion assembly according to claim 9, wherein the low friction materialcomprises a generally hollow cylinder.
 20. The linear motion assemblyaccording to claim 9, wherein the low friction material comprises a gapextending along at least a portion of an axial length thereof.